Eastbourne residents and business invited for consultation in new Local Plan

The representation period will start on Friday, October 2, this will give residents, businesses and stakeholders the opportunity to submit formal representations on plans that could shape the town's future until 2042. This is the last stage of public engagement before the plan is submitted to government for an independent examination.

The Proposed Submission Local Plan has been developed following several stages of public consultation since 2019 and is supported by an extensive evidence base covering housing, infrastructure, transport, flood risk, biodiversity, environmental sustainability and economic development.

The plan sets out where new homes, jobs, infrastructure and community facilities could be delivered across the borough over the next 16 years.

Councillor Colin Swansborough, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Staff and Performance, Enterprise, said:

"This is an important opportunity for residents, businesses and community organisations to have their say on plans that will help shape Eastbourne's future over the next two decades.

“Unlike previous consultations, we are required to ask specific questions which give people an opportunity to comment on how the Local Plan has been prepared in relation to whether it is legally compliant and meets the test of 'soundness', as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).”

Based on the government's standard method for calculating housing need, Eastbourne has an assessed housing need of 11,730 homes over the plan period ending in 2042. However, the town’s ability to accommodate new development is significantly constrained by factors including flood risk, the South Downs National Park, limited available land and being restricted by the sea to the south.

As a result, the council has identified a capacity-based housing requirement of around 4,400 homes over the plan period.

Councillor Swansborough added: "Like many coastal towns, Eastbourne faces major challenges in finding space for new development. While the government's housing target for the borough is around 690 homes a year, the reality is that Eastbourne’s opportunities for growth are limited by flood risk, protected landscapes and the simple fact that land is in very short supply.

"This plan takes a realistic and responsible approach, making the most of brownfield opportunities while protecting the environment, supporting job creation and economic growth, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development."

Following the representation period, the Local Plan and all representations received will be submitted to the Secretary of State ahead of an independent examination by a Planning Inspector in 2027.

When the consultation goes live on October 2, people are invited to view the proposals and submit comments by visiting www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/eastbourne-local-plan