COMMUNITY: PROVIDING ADVICE, GUIDANCE & PRACTICAL HELP
It is not part of HUDG’s remit to generally police the planning applications received by any of the Local Authorities within our area, but from time to time we may offer constructive comment on applications considered to be of significance due to their siting and/or scale.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS
HUDG are working with West St Leonards Forum to help them develop their Neighbourhood Plan. The main focus to date has been on the former Lido, or Old Bathing Pool, site.
HUDG helped the West St Leonards Forum (WSLF) and Save Our Bathing Site (SOBS) to set up an exhibition to seek local residents’ views for their aspirations for the site, pending the long-awaited community consultation promised by HBC’s preferred developer.
WSLF’s analysis of the comments left by some of those who attended indicates that some form of redevelopment would be welcome, but with a strong emphasis on open space, tourism, recreation and leisure. The majority favoured any housing being restricted to the West of the site. High rise, flood resistant, ‘iconic’ appartments were thought beneficial as it would reduce the need to build on other areas of the site.
Hastings Online Times’ report on the event can be read here.
HUDG hope to continue their involvement by helping WSLF develop their ideas for other areas of the Neighbourhood Plan and will attend their next event (on 22 February 2025) when Jim Boot, Community Consultant, will lead an event to progress matters.
See Hastings Online Times’ article here.
EYESORE SITES
A number of eyesore sites around St Leonard’s have been identified by the local community and proposals are under consideration for their temporary improvement whilst awaiting long term redevelopment. Possibilities include temporary use of shops by artists, temporary artworks and community gardens.