Hastings Local Plan Draft Local Plan Preferred Options (Regulation 18)

2. Hastings in context Comment

2.1The Hastings Draft Local Plan is built around key policies that reflect the current challenges and the town’s priorities for the future. Building a greener future focusing on sustainability and protecting the environment, ensuring that new homes are built and that they are affordable, energy efficient, and contribute to tackling climate change. Strengthening transport links, local services, and community connections so that neighbourhoods are healthy, inclusive, and well supported. Highlighting the importance of jobs, shops, and a strong, diverse economy, creating opportunities for local people and supporting Hastings’ long-term prosperity.

A Greener Future Comment

2.2Hastings faces severe housing pressures, but growth must be balanced with environmental responsibility. The town is tightly constrained by the sea and protected landscapes, meaning new development must make efficient use of land and buildings.

• Climate Action: All new homes will be net zero ready or built to Passivhaus standards, requiring no retrofit, and neighbourhoods will be designed to encourage walking and cycling.
• Green Infrastructure: Enhanced green spaces, sustainable transport, and energy efficient buildings will help reduce emissions and improve health.
• Protecting Assets: Parks, coastline, countryside, and historic places are central to Hastings’ identity and will be safeguarded as the town grows.
• Housing Delivery: Meeting government housing targets will require creative solutions, higher density development, and bringing empty homes back into use.

Living Well Together Comment

2.3Many residents struggle with affordability, poor housing conditions, or insecure tenures.

• Affordable Homes: The Plan requires developers to build affordable, good quality homes.
• Neighbourhoods and Services: New development must contribute to schools, health and leisure facilities, and community spaces, creating strong, connected neighbourhoods.

Opportunities For All Comment

• Jobs and Skills: The plan sets out requirements for new employment floorspace to be delivered, supporting creative, high tech, green, and manufacturing industries.
• Circular Economy: The Plan encourages sustainable business models and investment that reduce waste and create long term opportunities.
• Connected Communities: Affordable, sustainable transport to link homes, workplaces, and leisure spaces, supporting social cohesion and economic growth.
• Partnerships: Developers, the council, and other organisations will contribute to infrastructure, ensuring Hastings benefits from investment in open space, sports, and cultural facilities.

2.4The Hastings Draft Local Plan is both necessary and ambitious. It recognises the scale of local housing need, the importance of tackling inequality, and the necessity of planning within environmental limits. By delivering homes, supporting inclusive economic growth, improving transport and infrastructure, and safeguarding Hastings’ unique environment, the Plan sets out a vision for a town where everyone can live well, work productively, and feel proud of their community.