City Plan – have your say!

Residents have an exciting opportunity to help shape how the city will evolve over the next 15 years, as we formally begin developing our new City Plan, building on preparatory work already undertaken.

From identifying sites for potential new housing and protecting precious green spaces, to supporting the city’s economy and improving biodiversity, residents are invited to share their priorities and thoughts about what the new City Plan should include.

Key issues

Many residents will recall taking part in the previous consultation, launched in November 2024, when we asked for suggestions on which Key Issues should be addressed in a new City Plan.

We had a great response, attracting more than 700 replies, including 200 from young people through our first ever youth survey. The responses have helped to shape our understanding of what matters most to people living in the city.

Since the previous Key Issues consultation, the government has published a new national planning policy framework which changes some of issues we can cover in our City Plan. 

The new plan‑making system sets out a clearer, more consistent way for councils to decide what development is needed in their areas, where it should go, and how local places should be protected and improved.

The way we prepare the Plan has also changed. The new process must start with an early engagement stage followed by  a 30‑month period to prepare the Plan. 

Further opportunity

As a result, we are launching a further Scoping Consultation which gives you an opportunity to: 

• identify the main challenges and opportunities facing the city 
• tell us what the new City Plan should include 
• share your views on local priorities 
• let us know how you would like to be involved throughout the process  

To provide certainty for residents, businesses and developers, the new City Plan will be prepared for the city's existing administrative boundary, excluding the South Downs National Park. This accords with Government guidance, which makes clear that forthcoming Local Government Reorganisation is not a reason to delay plan-making.

The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report is also available for comment, along with a further ‘Call for Sites’ when potential housing, employment, retail or other development sites can be submitted for consideration. 

A city to be proud of

Deputy Council Leader Jacob Taylor said: “The City Plan is one of the most important documents the council produces.  

“It guides decisions about new homes, development, transport and infrastructure and helps decide what can be built and where it can go. It also shapes how we protect our green spaces and natural environment, as well as our heritage and the things that make our city so special. 

“It will identify how much commercial space is needed to develop business and create jobs and help us to plan local amenities such as bus routes, doctors, schools and safer streets, ensuring that neighborhoods work well for everyone.

“I would urge residents, businesses and community groups to take this opportunity to share their views with us and help us plan for a thriving, sustainable, safe and inclusive city we can all be proud of.”          

More details and the consultation documents are available on our online consultation portal. 

Consultation documents can also be viewed at our main council office, Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Hove, BN3 3BQ during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) as well as all city libraries during normal opening hours.  

The consultation runs from 14 July to 7 September.