Elmbridge to begin work on new Local Plan

Elmbridge Borough Council's September Cabinet will consider the next steps in preparing a new Local Plan for the borough, following new government regulations requiring the council to begin the process by 31 December 2026.

The regulations, introduced by government, require the council to formally commence work on a new Local Plan and follow a nationally prescribed timescales for its preparation.

Although Elmbridge is due to become part of the new East Surrey unitary council in April 2027 as part of local government reorganisation, the council remains the local planning authority until that date and must comply with these statutory requirements.

Starting work now will ensure Elmbridge meets its obligations while building a strong, evidence-based picture of the borough's future needs and priorities. The evidence, consultation feedback and technical studies gathered through this work will be available to East Surrey Council, ensuring information about local needs, priorities and residents' views is captured and documented for the future.

Beyond 1 April 2027, decisions on how this work is taken forward, including the form and scope of any future development plan and whether the evidence base is progressed through a continuation of the current work or as part of a wider East Surrey process, will be matters for East Surrey Council to consider. The work undertaken now will help ensure that whatever approach is ultimately pursued is informed by a robust understanding of local circumstances, needs and community views.

Local Plans guide decisions about homes, jobs, infrastructure, green spaces and the environment. Keeping planning policies up to date helps ensure decisions are informed by local evidence and community priorities, rather than relying solely on national planning policy.

Councillor Caroline James, Portfolio Holder for Planning Services, said:

"The government has introduced a new planning system that requires Elmbridge to begin preparing new Local Plans by the end of this year.

"As the current local planning authority, Elmbridge has a legal responsibility to comply with these regulations, regardless of the wider changes taking place through local government reorganisation.

"By starting this work now, we can create a clear, evidence-based picture of Elmbridge's needs and priorities and ensure local communities have the opportunity to have their say."

The new Local Plan process has been redesigned by government to be more streamlined, easier to understand and delivered to a clear national timetable. Under the proposed timetable, work would begin in autumn 2026 and continue through a series of statutory stages, including evidence gathering, public consultation and independent examination.

As part of the process, key stakeholders, residents, businesses and community organisations in Elmbridge will have opportunities to share their views on the future of the borough. The first stage of consultation is scheduled to take place in November 2026, if agreed by Elmbridge Cabinet.

Further details on how to take part will be published closer to the launch of the consultation.