Paul Barnett, Leader of the Hastings Independent Group, Hastings BC

We all know there is a housing crisis in Hastings. The council has made tackling this a priority. And many across the town have come together to contribute to a new Housing Strategy, which was agreed by the council recently.

Yet, when you read the draft Local Plan, now out for consultation, this crisis just isn’t dealt with seriously.

The government is abolishing Hastings Council, so this is the last Local Plan written and agreed by this community. And the government, pretending to increase devolution, are doing the opposite. They have set no targets for affordable housing and instead are pressurising councils to allow far more commercial house building, even on green spaces. So, what is the response so far from Hastings? 

  • not to increase the affordable housing targets of 25-40%
  • not to rule out building on green spaces
  • not to increase housing density on brown field sites
  • not to encourage housing in mixed use areas
  • not to champion sustainable energy and retro fit
  • not to champion disabled access in existing buildings
  • not to reduce car use and car parking, which would allow more house building
  • not to force Southern Water to improve the drainage and sewage needed
  • not to list suitable sites for temporary housing
  • not to increase biodiversity net gain by 20%
  • not to set out plans for the public transport needed
  • not to include any vision for improving health and education

Clearly this Local Plan is just not good enough. Developers will be licking their lips.

The Hastings Independents Group have been lobbying the council hard to improve the plan. In particular, to agree 100% affordable housing targets on all new sites. Even then, this would not provide enough homes for the 3,000 people on the waiting list.

We know there are developers who want to build 100% affordable housing. And, quite frankly, it’s time Hastings said to those other developers who put profits before principle: we do not want you here.

A special council meeting this summer will decide on the final version of the Local Plan.

Let’s make this last Local Plan for Hastings a plan all of Hastings can be proud of.


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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NEWS_Paul-Barnett-copy-1024x890.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NEWS_Paul-Barnett-copy-150x150.jpgHIPNewsHastings Independent Group,Paul BarnettPaul Barnett, Leader of the Hastings Independent Group, Hastings BC We all know there is a housing crisis in Hastings. The council has made tackling this a priority. And many across the town have come together to contribute to a new Housing Strategy, which was agreed by the council recently. Yet,...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper