You have two weeks left to have your say on the document that will shape the town right through until 2039.

In January Hastings Borough Council (HBC) launched its consultation on the Draft Local Plan. As the end of the eight-week consultation approaches, the council says it wants to ensure that everyone has a chance to share their views.

Councillor Kim Forward, leader of HBC says: “It’s great to have had so many people viewing and commenting on the draft plan. If you have not yet, I really encourage you to do so. This will help us to ensure the plan for our town’s future development reflects the ambitions of Hastings’ communities.

“You’ll find guidance on our website including a video which helps to make viewing and commenting on the plan easy.’

The Local Plan is a statutory document that all councils have to produce and while it sets out hopes and aspirations for the way the town will develop in the coming years there’s no guarantee that all that it sets out will actually go-ahead with a great deal being dependent upon private sector investment.

There’s no guarantee either that what finally goes into the plan will be adhered to. For example in the current plan land at Cornwallis Street is currently earmarked for housing but HBC now wants to build a hotel on that site and Muriel Matters House on the seafront, where HBC has its offices, is included in the Local Plan as a hotel and not office space.

Ms Forward says: ““If you or someone you know does not have access to the internet or are experiencing any issues in relation to the Local Plan consultation, please call our dedicated Local Plan consultation voicemail: 01424 451102. We want to support you to ensure you can get involved.” 

Issues covered by the Local Plan include housing, climate change, transport, the environment, the local economy, infrastructure, and digital connectivity. 

A council spokesman said: “It is important that those who live and work in the town get involved in its development. To view and comment on the draft Local Plan before consultation ends on March 24th, simply visit the council’s website: www.hastings.gov.uk/planning/policy/new-local-plan/ where there is lots of helpful information that will make getting involved an easy process.”