Campaign Update: Regulation 19 Consultation Ends Soon

Don’t Miss Our Final Opportunity to Get HS1 Sandrock Bends Removed from the Local Plan

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.