2.0 How to comment

2.1 We would like your comments on the proposed targets, policies and strategies highlighted throughout the document referenced A to N along with the Draft Infrastructure Plan and Schedule at Sections 6 and 7.

2.2 To ensure comments are properly recorded and interpreted we would like you to make them online, or where this is not possible, using our official response form.

2.3 Your response can be made directly through our website at www.hastings.gov.uk/ldf/consultation.aspx. This includes instructions on how to comment.

2.4 This is primarily an online consultation although copies of the consultation material and official response form are available to pick up from Hastings Information Centre in Queens Square or Planning Reception in Aquila House during opening hours.

2.5 Consultation packs containing the document and official response form can also be obtained by telephoning 01424 451098 during office hours.

2.6 Updates and links will be posted on Twitter, and you can also find Shaping Hastings on Facebook.

Deadline for responses

2.7 The consultation is open from 27 June to 8 August 2011. All comments must be received by 4pm on Monday 8 August 2011.

What we will do with your responses

2.8 We will analyse all responses and prepare a report showing how they have been taken into account, and, where relevant, how we are changing the plan as a result. This will be reported to the Council’s Cabinet in November 2011 and will be made available on the Council’s website.

Will there be any more opportunities to comment on the plan?

2.9 Following this informal consultation we will prepare the final version of the plan, called the ‘Proposed Submission Version’ which will cover the issues contained in our Preferred Approaches and the changes consulted upon here. This is the document we will submit to an independent Planning Inspector for the next stage in the process – the ‘Examination in Public’.

2.10 The Council’s Cabinet is due to consider the Proposed Submission Version of the Plan in November 2011. Following that there will then be the opportunity for you to make ‘representations’ on the Plan between December 2011 and January 2012.

2.11 These representations will be considered by an independent Inspector and help him/her decide on the themes for the Examination in Public. We will provide plenty of publicity about this when the time comes, but if you would like more information about the examination process in the meantime, please go to: www.planningportal.gov.uk/planning/planningsystem/localplans