What is a Core Strategy?

The Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD) sets out a plan for the future development of the Borough to 2026. It provides a strategy to deal with particular challenges and issues that have been identified as being of local importance and co-ordinates the delivery of development and accompanying infrastructure. It plays a key part in the delivery of |Elmbridge's Sustainable Community Strategy. All other DPDs must conform with the Core Strategy and the Core Strategy must conform to the |Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) - the South East Plan.

Once finalised the Core Strategy will form part of the Elmbridge |Local Development Framework (LDF) which will eventually replace the existing |Local Plan.

Where we are in the process

*This consultation is now closed*

Planning for the future of Elmbridge - Before the Elmbridge Core Strategy is submitted to the Secretary of State for examination by an independent Planning Inspector, who will decide whether the document is legally compliant, sound and fit for purpose, you have the opportunity to make representations about the 'soundness' of the document. Representations can be made over a six-week period, beginning Monday 11 January and finishing at 4pm on Monday 22 February 2010. You can submit your representations via our |online consultation portal, by email or in writing. |Find out more about the Elmbridge Core Strategy - Proposed submission and how to make representations.

Previous consultation

The Core Strategy has to go through a number of consultation stages before it can be submitted to the Secretary of State for consideration. The stages undertaken so far are detailed below.

• |Preferred Approach and Final Options (2009)
• |Revised Issues and Options (2008)
• |Preferred Options (2006)
• |Issues and Options (2005)
• |Early Stakeholder Involvement (2005)
• |Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report (2005)

Evidence Base

It is essential that the LDF and Core Strategy is based on a robust and up-to-date evidence base. A number of studies have been undertaken which support the Elmbridge LDF and Core Strategy. View more information on the |evidence base.

Timetable

The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out a timetable for the production of the Core Strategy DPD as well as other LDF documents and can be viewed via the link below.

• |Local Development Scheme 2009-12

Next steps

The representations received will be collated, summarised and submitted alongside the Elmbridge Core Strategy to the Secretary of State in March 2010, for examination by an independent Planning Inspector, who will decide whether the document is legally compliant, 'sound' and fit for purpose.