Decisions

Cabinet noted the council's Quarter 1 2026/27 financial and performance position and approved proposed amendments to performance measures. p22p23p24

Cabinet agreed revised priority and delivery outcomes to form the basis of business planning for 2027/28, and agreed that chief officers identify savings in the areas set out in the report. p27p28p30

Cabinet noted a draft Climate Resilience and Environment Policy and asked the relevant Scrutiny Committee to consider it and report back. p34p36p37

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• p2220.1 The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive.
• p2320.2 It was RESOLVED to: 1) note the latest monitoring position for the Council; and
• p242) approve proposed amendments to performance measures set out in paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2 of the report.
• p2721.1 The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive.
• p2821.2 It was RESOLVED to: 1) agree the revised priority and delivery outcomes to form the basis of business planning for 2027/28;
• p303) agree that Chief Officers are to identify savings in the areas set out in section 5 of the report; and
• p34</AI6> <AI7> 22. Climate Resilience and Environment Policy
• p3622.2 It was RESOLVED to: 1) note the draft Climate Resilience and Environment Policy at Appendix 1 of the report and the revised performance measures set out in paragraph 3.1 of the report;
• p372) invite the appropriate Scrutiny Committee to consider the draft Policy, performance measures and, in this context, the declaration made in 2019 regarding the declaration of a Climate Emergency and commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and report its views and findings to Cabinet;

The report said the Trust's income was forecast to exceed budget, mainly because of greater than anticipated parking income, higher investment income and compensation for damage to play equipment, while expenditure was broadly in line with budget and cash balances stood at around £2.3 million at the end of July 2026. p6

The Trust is expecting a surplus of £21,427 for 2026/27 excluding depreciation, which includes £228,836 of grant payments; excluding those grants, the expected surplus would be £250,263. p7

The Committee also resolved unanimously to appoint two new members to the Grants Advisory Panel for a period of three years from 19 August 2026. p8

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• p617. Foreshore Trust Finance Monitoring Report to Period 4 2026/27 Rita O'Mahoney, Chief Accountant, introduced the report which summarised the financial position of the Trust for the first four months of 2026/27 to 31 July 2026. The Committee was advised that income was forecast to exceed budget, primarily due to greater than anticipated parking income, particularly at Pelham Place Car Park, increased investment income, and compensation received for damage to play equipment. Expenditure was reported to be broadly in line with budget, with only minor variances relating to car parking operations, public convenience cleaning costs and the timing of grant payments. The Trust was forecasting a surplus before grant distributions, with a smaller surplus remaining after grant allocations had been taken into account . The Committee heard that the balance sheet remained healthy, with cash balances of around £2.3 million at the end of July 2026. Asset values had increased following improvements to Pelham Playground and the overall financial position of the Trust remained positive, with income ahead of budget, expenditure under control and a surplus forecast for the year. The Chair invited questions from Members. Councillor Hilton sought clarification on the position regarding large grants, noting that there had previously been delays to the programme and asking when the next round of large grants would be undertaken. Officers advised that large grants had been approved on a two-year basis in March 2026, covering both the current and following financial years. A further application round would therefore be undertaken after that period. Councillor Hilton asked whether the maintenance budget expenditure was on track, as that would demonstrate whether maintenance works were being delivered during the year. Officers advised that their understanding was that expenditure was progressing as expected, however a detailed response would be provided following further checks.
• p7The Committee were reminded that some maintenance projects required lead-in time before expenditure could be incurred. At the invitation of the Chair, a member of the public referred to the reported cash balance of approximately £2.3 million and asked how those funds were used by the Trust. The Committee was advised that the Trust was required to maintain reserves to meet unexpected costs and fund ongoing operational activities such as maintenance, repairs and staffing. It was further explained that any surplus generated by the Trust was used to support grant funding for organisations and projects benefiting Hastings and the surrounding area. There being no debate, Councillor Walker proposed approval of the recommendation, duly seconded by Councillor Hilton whereupon the Committee RESOLVED (unanimously): that the Foreshore Trust’s current financial position for 2026/27, as set out in the report and the accompanying appendices, be approved. Reasons: 1. The Council is responsible for making sure the Trust’s finances are managed properly and in line with the relevant financial rules and requirements for managing public money. 2. This financial monitoring report gives the Committee an update on the Trust’s current financial position and highlights any differences between actual income and spending and the approved 2026/27 budget. 3. The Trust is expecting to make a surplus of £21,427, excluding depreciation, for 2026/27. This includes £228,836 of grant payments. If these grants are excluded, the expected surplus would be £250,263.
• p819. Appointment of Grant Advisory Panel Members The Monitoring Officer advised that although 28 days’ notice of the proposed decision had not been fulfilled, as the decision was not a key decision, sufficient notice had subsequently been provided on the Forward Plan for the Committee to receive the report and recommendations as set out on the agenda. Having outlined the panel's role in assessing Foreshore Trust grant applications, the Monitoring Officer briefly explained the recruitment and interview process which led to the recommendation before Members. In response to questions from Councillors Hilton and Walker, the Deputy Chief Executive confirmed that previous issues relating to the quoracy of panel meetings would be mitigated by the recruitment, and that future recruitment needs would be considered again if necessary. Councillor Walker proposed approval of the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Hilton, and the Committee RESOLVED (unanimously): to appoint Phillipa Boyle and Terry Adams to the Grants Advisory Panel for a period of 3 years with effect from 19 August 2026. Reason: On 13 January 2011, the Charity Commission for England and Wales approved Hastings Borough Council as trustee for the Hastings and St Leonards Foreshore Charitable Trust. The scheme required that the trustee must appoint members of the Grant Advisory Panel on the basis of their knowledge and experience of the voluntary and charitable sector and in particular their knowledge of the voluntary and charitable sector in the area of the Borough of Hastings.

Planning Committee resolved unanimously to approve the discharge of Condition 6 (materials) of planning permission HS/FA/21/00994 for the installation of the approved York stone pillar and signage at Pelham Crescent, Hastings. p1p5

It also resolved unanimously to grant full planning permission for redevelopment of the West Hill Café, Castle Hill Road, Hastings, into a visitor centre with a café, restaurant, bar, takeaway, gallery/interpretation zones and retail, along with a new pathway, lighting, solar panels and air source heat pumps, subject to conditions in the Officer's report. p1p6p8

Before deciding, the Committee heard that legal advice had recommended replacing the previously proposed Section 106 legal agreement for securing a biodiversity net gain monitoring fee with a planning condition and internal transfer of funds, to avoid unnecessary legal and administrative costs. p7

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• p1Planning Committee — minutes of the meeting on 16/09/2026
• p529. Roadways and Footpaths at Pelham Crescent, Hastings (HS/CD/26/00389) Proposal Discharge of Condition 6: Materials of Planning Permission HS/FA/21/00994 Application No. HS/CD/26/00360 Conservation Area Yes – Old Town Listed Building Grade II* Status Council application on Council owned land Having not been present for the entirety of the Officer presentation, Councillor Webb did not speak or vote on this item. Louise Brooks, Planning Officer, presented the application for the approval of the discharge of Condition 6 (materials) of planning permission HS/FA/21/00994 regarding the installation of the approved York stone pillar and signage at Pelham Crescent. There had been no updates since the publication of the report. There being no questions from Members, approval of the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation was proposed by Councillor Marlow-Eastwood and duly seconded by Councillor Warne, there being no debate, the Chair called upon the Committee to vote and it was RESOLVED (unanimously): To APPROVE the discharge of Condition 6 (materials) of planning permission HS/FA/21/00994.
• p631. West Hill Cafe, Castle Hill Road, Hastings (HS/FA/26/00093) Proposal Demolition of the existing café and toilets and redevelopment to form a single storey visitor centre with café, restaurant and bar, takeaway, gallery/interpretation zones, retail (mixed use Class E and Class F1) and reprovision of toilets on the site of the existing West Hill Café. Creation of a new pathway/boardwalk and installation of external lighting on pathways. Installation of air source heat pumps and solar panels and associated landscaping improvements (amended description). Application No. HS/FA/26/00093 Conservation Area Yes - Old Town Listed Building Grade II Public Consultation & Status Not delegated - Petition contrary to officer recommendation received Council application on Council owned land. Item 5a would be considered by only those Councillors present at the 8 July 2026 Committee meeting, where the item had previously been considered (minute ref 14.1). Councillors Marlow-Eastwood, Smith, Ross, Warne and Webb left the chamber at 6:11pm for the entirety of the consideration of item 5a. Vice-Chair Councillor Fawbert assumed the Chair at 6:12pm for the consideration of Item 5a only. Will Larkin, Principal Planning Officer, explained that the application had been previously considered by Planning Committee on 8 July 2026, where members resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement to secure a Biodiversity Net Gain monitoring fee. The proposal before members therefore remained identical to that previously considered, with no changes to the description of the development, the proposed plans nor the supporting documents. However, at the July Committee, the biodiversity net gain monitoring fee was proposed to be secured through a legal agreement, which was standard practice.
• p7However, as the application was Council-led on Council-owned land, subsequent legal advice had been received which advised that such an approach would add unnecessary legal and administrative time and cost without materially improving the security of the monitoring arrangements. Secondly, since the July Committee, a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) had been published. The application had been reviewed against the updated Framework, and Officers confirmed that the revised NPPF did not alter the assessment previously reported to Members. The relevant planning considerations remained as set out previously, however, references within the report to paragraphs within the NPPF had been updated to reflect the new Framework. Finally, the trigger points of Conditions 5 and 9 had been amended so that they better reflected the development requirements of the project: · Condition 5 had been amended so that the required details must be submitted and approved before the commencement of any 'above ground works', rather than before any development commences; and · Condition 9, relating to vertical sections and design detailing, had been amended so that the required details must be submitted and approved before development proceeds above foundation/slab level, rather than before the commencement of all development. Helen Monaghan, Planning Lawyer, advised the Committee that the approved mechanism for securing the biodiversity net gain monitoring fee through a Section 106 agreement was disproportionate in the circumstances of a Council-led development on Council-owned land. It was explained that separate legal representation would be required for the Council’s property, planning and enforcement interests, which would result in unnecessary costs. Members were advised that the same outcome could be achieved more efficiently through a planning condition and an internal transfer of funds, thereby avoiding additional legal expense.
• p8At the invitation of the Chair, Councillor Lauchlan sought clarification on the location of the proposed heat pump fans. The Principal Planning Officer advised that those details would be considered through a future discharge of condition application. With approval of the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation having been proposed by Councillor Lawrence, duly seconded by Councillor Rumfitt, and there being no debate, the Chair called upon the Committee to vote and it was RESOLVED (unanimously): To GRANT Full Planning Permission subject to the conditions set out in the Officer’s report.

Museum Committee resolved to accept an NPO Update Report on the Museum's work towards its next Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation funding application for 2028 to 2033, and recommended the report for approval by Cabinet. p1p5p6

The Committee resolved to accept a Museum Update Report noting that visitor numbers, income and engagement activity were on track to meet targets, and that the Museum's learning programme had engaged more than 2,700 pupils during the reporting period, recommending the report for approval by Cabinet. p1p10p11

The Committee also resolved to accept a Collections Report on collection care, the display of the Hastings Embroidery at the Town Hall, and the appointment of a new Collections Access Officer, recommending it for approval by Cabinet. p1p12p13

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• p1Museum Committee — minutes of the meeting on 14/09/2026
• p511. NPO Update Report Katherine Buckland, Museum Projects and Development Lead, introduced the report and explained that work was underway on the Museum’s next Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation funding application for the 2028 to 2033 period. The Committee was advised that activity delivered during the current funding programme would inform the submission and support the case for continued investment in the Museum. An update was provided on a range of partnership, engagement and learning initiatives, including projects with the Migration Museum and Natural History Museum, outreach activities, school engagement programmes, sustainability planning and forthcoming exhibitions. It was noted that such projects continued to expand community participation, improve access to collections and support learning, skills development and cultural engagement across Hastings. In response to questions from Steve Peak, Officers advised that opportunities would be explored to make greater use of the Museum’s map collection through future exhibitions and links to oral history projects. The Committee heard that alternative sources of funding would continue to be investigated to support digitisation and preservation work. In response to questions from Councillor Jobson and Councillor Webb, it was explained that engagement with rural communities and other groups would be developed through partnership working with existing organisations and community networks. Future National Portfolio Organisation activity would place a greater emphasis on skills development and widening participation across different sections of the community. In response to questions from the Chair, updates were provided on the development of the Indigenous Collections Policy, sustainability planning and preparations for the next Arts Council England funding application.
• p6Policy development remained ongoing with community partners; sustainability findings would be shared more widely across the Council, and preparatory work for the funding application was continuing pending publication of national guidance. Members of the Committee welcomed the range of partnership, outreach and educational activity being delivered and expressed support for the Museum’s continued work to increase community engagement, access to collections and cultural opportunities across the Borough. With approval of the recommendation having been proposed by Richard Street, and duly seconded by Councillor Fawbert, the Committee voted and it RESOLVED: to accept the report and RECOMMEND its approval by Cabinet. Reason: to update the Committee on the Museum’s NPO funded programme work since the last formal meeting.
• p1013. Museum Update Report The Museum Projects and Development Lead introduced the Museum Update Report and advised that visitor numbers, income and engagement activity were performing well and remained on track to meet targets. It was reported that shop income had increased significantly, with trading supported by new stock lines, whilst weddings, venue hire income, and donations were also progressing in line with expectations. An update was provided on the Museum’s learning programme, which had engaged more than 2,700 pupils during the reporting period through visits, outreach projects and the loan box scheme. Members were advised that changes to Arts Council England funding arrangements would require applications for interim and longer-term funding, and that future activity would focus on continuing and developing the Museum’s schools offer. The Committee also received updates on forthcoming exhibitions, including the Hastings Open, Tapestry of Black Britons and Bayeux Tapestry partnership projects, together with a programme of events, volunteering activity and partnership working. Dr Hilda Kean highlighted the contribution of Museum Association volunteers to the operation of the Local Studies Room and suggested that greater use could be made of digital and remote research services. Officers responded that research, scanning and copying services were already available, although further promotion of those services would be beneficial. Richard Street then clarified details relating to a forthcoming Museum Association event on the history of the Hastings Lifeboat. The importance of accurate promotion of events and recognition of the Museum Association’s contribution was acknowledged by the Committee. Councillor Webb welcomed the involvement of community groups in future Museum events and exhibitions, including activities organised by local Ukrainian groups.
• p11Members noted the value of enabling community organisations to contribute their knowledge and expertise to the Museum’s programme. Members discussed opportunities to increase volunteering and public participation. It was reported that any expansion of the volunteer programme would need to be supported by sufficient staff capacity to provide effective supervision, training and coordination. Richard Street welcomed the Museum’s role as the first venue for the Bayeux Tapestry touring display “A British Museum Partnership: Bayeux around Britain casting a masterpiece.” The Committee welcomed the success of the Bayeux Tapestry partnership project and noted the associated investment in equipment and infrastructure that would provide a lasting benefit to the Museum. Members further welcomed the positive performance against visitor, income and engagement targets and the continued development of exhibitions, learning programmes and community partnerships. With approval of the recommendation having been proposed by Councillor Fawbert, and duly seconded by Richard Street, the Committee voted and it RESOLVED: to accept the report and RECOMMEND its approval by Cabinet. Reason: to update the Committee on the Museum’s work since the last formal meeting of the Committee.
• p1214. Collections Report The Museum Projects and Development Lead introduced the Collections Report and advised that collection care activities, including pest management, environmental monitoring and conservation housekeeping, were continuing in accordance with professional standards. Members were informed that a programme of display case cleaning and a wider collection deep clean was scheduled for later in the year to support the long-term preservation of the Museum’s collections. An update was provided on the display of the Hastings Embroidery at the Town Hall, which had generated significant public interest and positive feedback. The Committee was advised of ongoing collections and research work within the Local Studies Room, the appointment of a new Collections Access Officer, and progress in improving access to collections information. Members also received updates on current loans, recent acquisitions and the review of the disposals policy. Steve Peak expressed his concern about capacity within the Local Studies Room, noting that increasing volumes of material and limited storage space made access and organisation difficult. Officers acknowledged the issue and advised that the completion of a comprehensive inventory by the new Collections Access Officer would assist in identifying priorities and opportunities to improve the management and accessibility of the collection. Members discussed the significance of the Local Studies collection and the challenges associated with cataloguing historic material. It was noted that volunteer expertise continued to play an important role in supporting research enquiries and improving access to archives and collections information. Richard Street welcomed the successful display of the Hastings Embroidery at the Town Hall and noted the increased public interest generated by the exhibition.
• p13Members discussed the long-standing aspiration to improve the Museum’s storage and exhibition capacity, although it was acknowledged that significant expansion would require substantial external funding. The Committee welcomed progress in collections management, research access and public engagement, and noted the positive public response to the Hastings Embroidery exhibition and other collections-based activities. With approval of the recommendation having been proposed by Steve Peak, and duly seconded by Councillor Jobson, the Committee voted and it RESOLVED: to accept the report and RECOMMEND its approval by Cabinet. Reason: to update the Committee on collections care, acquisitions, loans and any objects being considered for disposal.

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval to publish the Pre-Submission Local Plan for a period of formal representations under Regulation 19. p7

Cabinet resolved unanimously to recommend that Council approve publication of the Pre-Submission Hastings Local Plan, with its Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment, for a six-week period of formal representations on soundness and legal compliance. p7

Cabinet also resolved to delegate authority to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Planning, to make editorial, non-major, formatting or presentational amendments before publication. p7

A further report is to come to Council in December, summarising the main issues raised during the representation period and seeking authority to submit the Local Plan to the Secretary of State for independent examination. p8

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• p718. Hastings Borough Council Local Plan – Publication (Regulation 19) and subsequent Submission (Regulation 22) The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Place seeking approval of the Pre-Submission Local Plan for publication under Regulation 19 and subsequent consideration by Council. Officers outlined the extensive programme of evidence gathering, consultation and engagement that had informed the preparation of the Local Plan. Members noted that the Plan would provide the strategic planning framework for the borough and guide future decisions relating to housing, employment, regeneration, infrastructure and environmental protection. Cabinet discussed a range of issues including housing need, affordable housing provision, environmental and ecological impacts, green space protection, infrastructure requirements, flood risk and the proposed traveller site allocations. Members also acknowledged the significant level of public interest in the Local Plan and the importance of the forthcoming Regulation 19 consultation in enabling formal representations to be made on matters of soundness and legal compliance. Cabinet recognised the considerable contribution made by residents, community groups, consultees, councillors and officers throughout the preparation of the Plan. Councillor Mark Etherington proposed and Councillor Glenn Haffenden seconded the recommendations. RESOLVED (unanimously): Cabinet is asked to recommend to Council that: 1.The Pre-Submission version of the Hastings Local Plan and the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment is approved for publication for a six-week period for formal representations on matters of soundness and legal compliance. 2.Authority be delegated to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Planning, to make any necessary editorial changes, non-major amendments, formatting or presentational amendments necessary prior to publication.
• p83.It is noted that a further report will be brought to Council in December setting out a summary of the main issues raised following the pre-submission period for formal representations and seeking authority for submission of the Hastings Local Plan to the Secretary of State for independent examination Reasons for Recommendations 1. To request that Cabinet recommends to Council that the Hastings Local Plan is published for representations under Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 and that a further report will be brought to Council in December, setting out a summary of the main issues raised following the Pre-Submission period for formal representations, seeking authority for submission of the Hastings Local Plan to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on 2 September 2026. p1

The Committee approved an amended Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026/27 and agreed the scope for reviews including Four Courts redevelopment and social housing impact, youth opportunity and play provision, anti-poverty strategy and regeneration outcomes, and twinning and international friendship links. p6p7

The Committee also considered updates on Local Government Reorganisation and Transformation and Shared Services, and the Council's financial monitoring report. p10

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• p1Overview and Scrutiny Committee — minutes of the meeting on 02/09/2026
• p615. Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme The Committee considered the proposed Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026/27. Members noted the proposed scrutiny themes, evidence sources, and stakeholder engagement arrangements together with four review scoping summaries developed by the Scrutiny Steering Group. Four Courts Redevelopment and Social Housing Impact Review The Committee considered the proposed scope for the review, including resident engagement, rehousing arrangements, housing supply impacts, temporary accommodation pressures, future replacement housing, sustainability considerations, and lessons for future developments. Members supported the inclusion of evidence gathering from Southern Housing, affected residents and tenant representatives, together with site visits and resident engagement sessions. Concerns were expressed regarding access to historic decision-making information, including any Business Case for the redevelopment, which members agreed should form part of the review's evidence gathering, if available. Youth Opportunity, Play and Post-4pm Provision Review The Committee considered the proposed scope relating to play provision and opportunities for children and young people. Discussion focused on identifying gaps in provision, ensuring equitable access across the Borough, and improving opportunities for young people recently having left education and not yet in employment. The Committee agreed that the review should extend to young people up to the age of 25. Members requested that accessibility for children and young people with disabilities be considered and that a broad range of youth organisations be engaged in addition to those listed, including local scout groups. The review should also examine opportunities arising from future development schemes.
• p7Anti-Poverty Strategy and Regeneration Outcomes Review The Committee noted that the proposed scope included understanding progress towards the development of an anti-poverty strategy, partnership working, community-based support and the outcomes delivered through regeneration activity. Members discussed the importance of understanding how regeneration investment benefits communities across the Borough, identifying gaps in support and ensuring effective collaboration between organisations. It was suggested that the Council’s Anti-Poverty Champion be included as a key witness alongside the future Anti-Poverty Officer, when in post. Twinning and International Friendship Links Review The Committee considered the proposed scope for the review, reflecting the resolution previously agreed by Full Council. The review would examine the Council’s role in international links, partnership arrangements, governance, public awareness and opportunities to strengthen community participation. Members noted that detailed arrangements for evidence gathering, and stakeholder engagement would be developed by the dedicated sub-committee. RESOLVED: 1. The amended 2026/27 Work Programme attached at Appendix A be approved. 2. The respective scope for each of review themes be agreed. 3. Any additional lines of enquiry, key stakeholders and evidence sources to be incorporated within the review plans as set out in these minutes. 4. Delegates authority to the Scrutiny Officer in consultation with the Chair, and Vice-Chair to make minor amendments to scheduling, evidence sessions and witness lists during the municipal year, provided the agreed review themes are not materially altered. Reasons: The Committee has previously agreed the broad themes for scrutiny activity during 2026/27. The next stage is to establish clear scopes for each review to ensure scrutiny activity remains focused, proportionate and capable of delivering meaningful outcomes.
• p10The impact of development proposals adjoining the boundary with Rother District and the cumulative effects of development across administrative boundaries. Members requested that responses to the issues raised be provided to Cabinet and the Committee accordingly. b) Local Government Reorganisation and Transformation & Shared Services Update The Committee sought clarification regarding Charter Trustee arrangements particularly regarding the legal process, anticipated timescales and key milestones associated with establishing those arrangements. Members urged that Hastings’ civic and ceremonial functions were important, should be protected, and must be appropriately represented throughout the transition to new governance arrangements. Members further sought greater clarity regarding when preparatory work for the new authority would commence and how progress would be communicated. c) Financial Monitoring Report The Committee considered the Council’s forecast financial position and requested that Cabinet provide greater detail for the projected increase in General Fund reserves, including the assumptions used and the likely sources of reserve growth. The Committee expressed concern about the cost of enforcement activity at the former convent site and sought clarification regarding how such costs would be reflected within future financial monitoring reports. Members asked that finance officers attend future meetings to respond directly to questions raised by the Committee, many of which were requests for clarification. RESOLVED: that the Chair attend the Cabinet meeting on 7 September to represent the views of the Committee.

No decision yet; it comes back later.

The Planning Committee considered a proposal for a new dwelling with on-site parking, a drive and gardens, and a new entrance to the existing house, at 1 Ridgewood Gardens, Hastings (application HS/FA/25/00224). p5

Late objections included photographic and video evidence of a hole covered by slabs, which an objector said indicated a badger sett. p5

The council's Ecology Officer said further assessment, including a site visit, was needed before advising whether the development could affect badgers or their setts. p5

Officers said it would be premature to issue a planning decision until the new evidence had been assessed, as badgers and their setts are legally protected. p5

The committee deferred the application to a future date, by 6 votes to 2, pending further investigation by the Ecology Officer. p6

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• p521. 1 Ridgewood Gardens, Hastings (HS/FA/25/00224) Proposal New Dwelling with on-site parking / drive and gardens. New entrance to existing house. Application No. HS/FA/25/00224 Conservation Area No Listed Building No Public Consultation & Status Not delegated - 5 or more letters of objection received Will Larkin, Principal Planning Officer, presented the application for a new dwelling with on-site parking, drive and gardens together with a new entrance to the existing house. Since the publication of the report, late additional comments in objection had been received and circulated by email to Committee Members. Photographic and video evidence of a hole covered by slabs had been submitted by an objector which purported to indicate a badger sett. The report had originally concluded that the development would not harm badgers nor their setts, based on the ecological information available at the time. However, the recent photographs of an unidentified hole close to the site boundary had been seen by the Council's Ecology Officer who had advised that further assessment was required. The Ecology Officer stated that they needed time to: Review the new evidence. Carry out an additional site visit. Provide updated ecological advice on whether the development could affect badgers or their setts. As badgers and their setts were legally protected, Officers cautioned that it would be premature to issue a planning decision until the new information had been properly assessed. Officers were not yet able to advise on the timeline for the ecological assessment. Consequentially, Officers advised Members of two options: a) that the Committee could consider the application without the updated ecological assessment, subject to the final decision on the application being delegated to the Planning Services Manager, upon the receipt of the updated ecological assessment; or b) to defer consideration of the whole application to a future date.
• p6The Planning Services Manager reminded Members that the National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions would come into force on 31 October 2026 and would mean that applications of this type would then be determined by Officers. The Chair called upon the Committee to vote on the options before it and it was RESOLVED (by 6 votes in favour and 2 against): To DEFER the application to a future date pending further investigation by the Ecology Officer.

A decision has been taken, against.

The Licensing Sub Committee considered an application for a premises licence for Forever Food Mart, Unit 4 7-8 Harold Place, Hastings, submitted by V&K Private Limited. p6

The Committee concluded that the Applicant had not shown that granting the licence would avoid adding to cumulative impact in the area. p11

The Sub-Committee refused the application for a premises licence. p9

The Applicant has the right to appeal the decision to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days of receiving the written decision dated 12 August 2026. p12

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• p65. Application for a Premises Licence with representations for Forever Food Mart, Unit 4 7-8 Harold Place, Hastings. TN34 1JA Report of the Licensing Lead Stewart Bryant, Licensing Lead, introduced the report and outlined the application for a premises licence submitted by V&K Private Limited in respect of Forever Food Mart, 7-8 Howard Place, Hastings. The Sub-Committee was advised that a previous application for an off-sales premises licence at the premises had been refused in January 2026, with concerns raised regarding the applicant’s understanding of the locality, the Cumulative Impact Policy, and the potential impact on the licensing objectives. Members were informed that the current application represented a fresh application and should be determined on its own merits, having regard to the licensing history of the premises, the representations received from Sussex Police and the Licensing Authority, the Council’s policy framework, and the statutory licensing objectives. In response to a question Mr Bryant clarified that evidence regarding the reduction in public disorder following the surrender of the previous premises licence was contained within the Sussex Police representations. Statement from the Applicant Mr Thakkar, the Applicant, addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application. The Applicant acknowledged the refusal of a previous application in January 2026 and advised that the concerns raised by the Sub-Committee and responsible authorities had been carefully considered. The Applicant outlined the measures introduced since that refusal, including enhanced management controls, staff training, CCTV monitoring, Challenge 25 procedures, incident and refusals registers, and a detailed local risk assessment tailored to the premises and its location within the Cumulative Impact Zone. The Applicant advised that alcohol sales would form a secondary element of the business and emphasised a commitment to responsible retailing.
• p9Sussex Police further highlighted concerns regarding the practical operation of the premises, including the potential for proxy purchasing, theft, refusals of sale and the likelihood of incidents requiring police intervention. In response to Members’ questions, Sussex Police provided further information regarding patterns of street drinking within the town centre, the challenges of enforcing alcohol-related offending, the impact on local residents and businesses, and the limitations of conditions in addressing the risks identified in this particular location. Sussex Police maintained its objection and invited the Sub-Committee to conclude that the Applicant had not rebutted the presumption arising from the Cumulative Impact Policy. The Chair invited those present to sum-up. The Applicant and Responsible Authority representatives added nothing further. The Licensing Lead reminded Members that any decision departing from policy would need to be properly justified. The Sub-Committee adjourned to deliberate at 12:17 and recovened at 13:02 when the Chair announced that: The Sub-Committee REFUSED the application for a Premises Licence. Reasons for the decision The principal issue before the Sub-Committee was whether the Applicant had demonstrated that the grant of a new premises licence for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises would not add to the cumulative impact already experienced within the Hastings Town Centre Cumulative Impact Zone ("CIZ") and would promote the licensing objectives. The premises is situated within the Council's designated Cumulative Impact Zone. Relevant representations were received from Sussex Police and the Licensing Authority. In those circumstances, the Council's Cumulative Impact Policy is engaged, and it is for the Applicant to demonstrate that the grant of the licence would not add to cumulative impact and would not undermine the licensing objectives.
• p11Whilst these measures were welcomed, they did not adequately address the fundamental concern identified by both Responsible Authorities and the previous Licensing Sub-Committee, namely the risk associated with the reintroduction of an off-sales alcohol outlet at this location. The Committee noted that the previous Licensing Sub-Committee expressly considered whether strengthened conditions, including restrictions on single-can sales, multipack sales and alcohol strength restrictions, could sufficiently mitigate the risks associated with the premises and concluded that they could not. Having carefully considered the evidence before it, the Committee reached the same conclusion. The Committee accepted that the Applicant was not responsible for the historic difficulties associated with the premises and that the premises is now under different ownership and management. However, the issue before the Committee was not responsibility for past events, but whether the grant of a new premises licence at this location would be likely to undermine the licensing objectives in the future. Having considered all the evidence, the Committee was not satisfied that the Applicant had demonstrated that the grant of the licence would not add to cumulative impact within the Cumulative Impact Zone. The Committee therefore concluded that the Applicant had failed to rebut the presumption arising from the Council's Cumulative Impact Policy. The Committee further concluded that there remained a real risk that the reintroduction of alcohol sales at this location would contribute to the return of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, street drinking, crime and public nuisance. The Committee carefully considered whether the concerns identified could be adequately addressed through the imposition of conditions. However, for the reasons set out above, it was not satisfied that conditions would be effective to promote the licensing objectives in the circumstances of this case.
• p12Accordingly, the Committee concluded that refusal was the only appropriate and proportionate step available to promote the prevention of crime and disorder and prevention of public nuisance objectives. Human Rights and Equality Considerations The Committee recognised that refusal interferes with the Applicant's ability to operate the business as proposed and has considered the Applicant's rights under the Human Rights Act 1998. The Committee also had regard to its duties under the Equality Act 2010 and considered whether refusal would result in any disproportionate impact. Having balanced the Applicant's interests against the evidence-based risks identified by the Responsible Authorities and the need to promote the licensing objectives, the Committee was satisfied that refusal was a justified, appropriate and proportionate response. Right of Appeal The Applicant has the right to appeal this decision to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days of receipt of the written decision dated 12 August 2026.

The Lead Member for Economy, Councillor Pete Morley, took decisions at a remote meeting held via Microsoft Teams on 24 July 2026. p2

The stated reason was that the County Council has completed its second year as Accountable Body for these legacy capital programmes and the framework will continue to oversee the remaining projects to completion. p16

He also approved East Sussex County Council acting as delivery coordinator for the WorkWell programme in East Sussex until March 2029, working with Surrey County Council as accountable body, and delegated authority to the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport, in consultation with the Director of Adult Social Care and Health, to carry out the necessary actions. p17p20p21

According to the report, the WorkWell programme intends to allocate in the region of £1.87m to the East Sussex area over three years from April 2026, to help residents with physical and mental health needs stay in or move into work. p22

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• p2DECISIONS made by the Lead Member for Economy, Councillor Pete Morley, on 24 July 2026 at Remote Meeting via Microsoft Teams
• p16REASON 5.3 The County Council has completed its second year as the Accountable Body for the legacy capital programmes in East Sussex. The East Sussex Local Growth Assurance Framework (ESLGAF) has ensured associated responsibilities have been undertaken appropriately and will continue to oversee the remaining projects towards completion.
• p17</AI5> <AI6> 6. WorkWell programme coordination in partnership with Surrey County Council and Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board
• p201) approve East Sussex County Council’s role as the delivery coordinator for the WorkWell programme in East Sussex until March 2029 in partnership with Surrey County Council as the accountable body; and
• p212) delegate authority to the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport in consultation with the Director of Adult Social Care and Health, to take all actions necessary to give effect to the recommendations in the report.
• p22REASONS 6.3 The WorkWell programme intends to allocate in the region of £1.87m funding over a 3-year period from April 2026 to 2029 to the East Sussex area to support people to remain in or access employment. This presents a significant opportunity to work with the Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board to support residents with physical and mental health needs to access or maintain work. The WorkWell programme in East Sussex will support the priorities relating to reducing economic inactivity in the Get Sussex Working Plan and other strategies highlighted in paragraph 1.7 of the report.

Received for information; no decision followed.

The Standards Committee met on 22 July 2026. p1

No apologies for absence were received and no declarations of interest were made. p2p3

Coral Harding, Monitoring Officer, presented the Standards Committee's Annual Report for 2025/26, covering a period when a predecessor held the Monitoring Officer role. p5

The report said four Code of Conduct complaints had been received, mainly about member conduct during council meetings and on social media, and that none needed a formal hearing. p5

The committee noted the Annual Report. p5

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• p1Standards Committee — minutes of the meeting on 22/07/2026
• p21. Apologies for absence No apologies for absence had been received.
• p32. Declarations of Interest There were no declarations of interest.
• p54. Annual Report 2025/26 Coral Harding, Monitoring Officer, presented the Standards Committee Annual Report for 2025–26 and advised that the report largely related to the period where the Monitoring Officer role was held by a predecessor. A review of the complaints and outcomes had confirmed that the report accurately reflected the standards activity undertaken during the year. Thanks were expressed to the Council’s Independent Persons for their support, advice and assistance during the transition period; and to those Deputy Monitoring Officers who had contributed to the administration of the standards framework, including the newly appointed Chief Legal Officer. The report noted that four Code of Conduct complaints had been received, mainly relating to conduct during council meetings and social media activity. None of the complaints required formal hearings, with matters having been resolved through informal advice, guidance, informal resolution measures, or closure with no further action. The Standards Committee had also reviewed and updated the Member Code of Conduct during the year, based on the Local Government Association model, for which training materials remained available to members, with further training to be provided as required. The report concluded that the Council’s standards framework had operated effectively, with complaints handled proportionately while continuing to promote high standards of conduct. In response to Councillor Bates’ request for clarification around those complaints relating to Members’ language during meetings, the Monitoring Officer advised that complaints about language had not related to hate speech or protected characteristics, but rather to concerns that debate had become personal rather than focused on the matters that were being discussed. RESOLVED (unanimously): That the Annual Report be noted.

The Place Scrutiny Committee resolved on 22 July 2026 to establish a Joint People and Place scrutiny board for Reconciling Policy, Performance and Resources (RPPR) planning. p20

The Committee resolved to add several items to its work programme, including a rapid review of the Household Waste Recycling Site (HWRS) booking system to report back by 30 November, reports on the Asset Management Strategy and the Queensway Gateway Road project, and the highways winter maintenance policy and Veteran's Bus Travel. p22

The Committee noted that East Sussex Highways achieved 87.8% against a target of 93.3% on its contract performance indicators for 2025/26, and resolved to hold a closed session to examine the highways contract in more detail. p24p28

The Committee resolved to endorse a Scrutiny Review of Street Works and to submit its recommendations to Cabinet for comment and to County Council for approval. p33

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• p20Carbon reduction was included as part of Business as Usual activities, such as in the corporate estate where more energy efficient options may be identified as part of necessary essential maintenance such as replacing end-of-life boilers or windows. This would mean that through the course of operational resilience, schools and council buildings could cope better under pressures in the long term. 5.15 The Chair of the Place Scrutiny Committee raised some areas for potential scrutiny focus as part of RPPR planning including: tracking of temperatures in schools and monitoring of climate-related risk; Artificial Intelligence, cyber and digital; financial breakdown and distribution of charge points for the electric vehicle scheme across East Sussex; an examination of the length of time to complete projects, the processes behind those, and investigate how to expedite them; and to gain an understanding of the role of scrutiny in the work of the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority (SBSA), especially in regard to skills, economic development and transport strategies. 5.16 The Committee RESOLVED to: (1) consider and comment on information within the 2025/26 end of year Council monitoring report and State of the County 2026 report and the implications for services within the remit of the committee; (2) identify potential areas for scrutiny focus as part of RPPR planning, for consideration as part of future RPPR reports or the committee’s wider work programme; and (3) establish a Joint People and Place RPPR scrutiny board.
• p226.5 The Director of CET raised that the highways winter maintenance policy is an upcoming issue that would benefit from scrutiny input. The Committee agreed to include this on its work programme. 6.6 The Committee RESOLVED to: (1) Agree the agenda items for future committee meetings; (2) Re-establish the corporate climate target board with People Scrutiny Committee, with a broader remit focussed on health; (3) Schedule reports on the Asset Management Strategy and lessons learnt from the Queensway Gateway Road project, and the ESCC Road Safety Strategy to future meetings; (4) Undertake a rapid review of the Household Waste Recycling Site (HWRS) booking system to report to the Committee on 30 November; and (5) Add highways winter maintenance policy and Veteran’s Bus Travel to the work programme for potential future review.
• p247.1 The Assistant Director of Operations introduced the report on East Sussex Highways (ESH) Year 3 Contract Performance, which summarises the performance of the contract through the third year (2025/26) in achieving the Service Performance Indicators (SPIs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Year 3 ended on 31 March 2026 and the contract was midway through Year 4 of the 7-year contract, which had the option for a 7-year extension if KPIs were met. 7.2 Scrutiny was significantly involved in setting up the contract over 2-3 years, and made recommendations to Cabinet throughout the process, before the detailed business case went to Cabinet in July 2021. The contract was outcomes-based, centred around quality assurance, stakeholder management, sustainable economic growth and carbon management. The outcome themes were agreed by a previous Place Scrutiny Committee and performance measures were built into the contract and endorsed by Cabinet. SPIs and KPIs set targets for ESH to achieve, which are designed to stretch the contractor and increase year-on-year, to encourage improved performance. There were two incentives to reward performance in the contract: if SPIs were achieved, a financial reward would be unlocked for ESH; and achievement of the KPIs would be key in determining whether the contractor would be eligible for an extension to the contract. The overall outturn for the year was 87.8%, against the target of 93.3%, so while there had been some improvement in the contract, they had not achieved their targets for the year. 7.3 Scott Dalton, Deputy Contract Director, Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP), presented the report, outlining performance against the 17 SPIs and six KPIs for the 2025/26 period. While improvements had been made in some SPIs, many were not achieved.
• p287.15 The Committee RESOLVED to: (1) Schedule a closed session to view the highways contract in detail, and following this consider what future scrutiny sessions are required including with BBLP and ESCC officers; (2) Receive disaggregated data by division and sub-contractor; (3) Note the performance of the third year of the Highways Infrastructure and Services contract with Balfour Beatty Living Places.
• p338.11 The Committee asked if the system for surveying all roads could be used to correlate damaged roads to where street works have taken place. The Assistant Director Operations responded that developments in AI would enable ESH to map the survey of defects with where permits have been granted (and to which utility companies) and could identify areas of concern. 8.12 The Committee RESOLVED to endorse the report and agree to submit the recommendations to Cabinet for comment and County Council for approval.

Cabinet resolved to agree the Council's 2026/27 Internal Audit Strategy and Annual Audit Plan. p17p18p19

Cabinet resolved to approve the content of the External Audit Plan for 2025/26. p21p22p23

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• p17</AI5> <AI6> 13. 2026/27 Internal Audit Strategy and Annual Audit Plan
• p1813.1 The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.
• p1913.2 It was RESOLVED to agree the Council’s 2026/27 Internal Audit Strategy and Annual Audit Plan.
• p21</AI6> <AI7> 14. External Audit Plan 2025/26
• p2214.1 The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Finance Officer.
• p2314.2 It was RESOLVED to approve the content of the External Audit Plan for 2025/26.