Protecting Hastings Green Spaces Together
Urgent Update : Sandrock Bends
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Protect Our Greenspaces. Prevent Flooding.
The last link between St. Helen's Woods and the wider countryside.
Campaign Update: Regulation 19 Consultation is Live
The Hastings Borough Council Local Plan has formally entered its Regulation 19 Publication stage—the final consultation phase before the plan is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by a Planning Inspector.
Although Hastings Borough Council refusal of outline planning permission for housing at Sandrock Bends was a step forward, the battle to protect it is far from over and the Council’s continued inclusion of the site in its draft Hastings Local Plan under Policy HS1 increases the likelihood that the developer, Gladman’s, will continue to pursue the planning application.
Why This Stage is Different
Regulation 19 is not a general opinion-gathering exercise. The Planning Inspector will only assess whether the Local Plan satisfies strict statutory requirements: legal compliance and the tests of soundness (positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy).
General objections will not carry the necessary weight. To protect Sandrock Bends, our challenge must dismantle the council's evidence base under planning policy.
Key Consultation Dates & Deadlines
Consultation Closes: Thursday, 12th November 2026 at 11:59 pm (online)
Postal/Hand-delivered submissions must arrive at Muriel Matters House by 5:00 pm on 12th November.
We Commissioned Professional Advice
To give the site the strongest possible defence, the steering group and the nature reserve have commissioned professional planning and hydrological experts.
95 Houses, Zero Corridor
Save Sandrock Bends are highlighting the significant environmental impacts and urgent concerns about infrastructure and increased traffic for the wider Hastings community. We are working with experts to address these issues. Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for updates and provide feedback to the council to ensure public concerns are understood.
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