A Local Plan that protects the character of Elmbridge
The Borough is required by government to produce a Local Plan that outlines how the housing need will be met for the next 15 years and the land that can be identified to allow for those future developments; it is underpinned by a number of documents that guide the council in its decision-making on what are acceptable developments in terms of good design, respect for the character of the location, coupled with environmental and sustainability considerations.
In order to provide a robust Local Plan to the Planning Inspectorate, our officers have consulted with residents and developers, they have investigated all land options and they have assessed every possible scenario, weighing national guidelines and planning legislation against the needs of Elmbridge and our residents. This Draft Local Plan represents that work and has the best interests of Elmbridge at its heart.
The Liberal Democrat and Resident Councillors will be putting forward a Draft Local Plan that will deliver the homes we need while protecting the character of our Borough including its precious Green Belt.
On 16 March 2022, the Elmbridge Draft Local Plan is being debated at a meeting of the Elmbridge Cabinet. The recommendations of the Cabinet will be presented to a Council meeting on 22 March 2022. If approved by Council, the next stage on the way to adoption is a ‘Regulation 19 representation’, after which the Plan will then be passed to the national Planning Inspectorate for examination.
Key points of the Draft Local Plan being presented to Cabinet on 16 March 2022
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The Plan allows for 465 homes per year over 15 years, not the 647 pushed for by the Conservative Government.
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The Plan will protect the Green Belt and enhance green infrastructure and biodiversity in the Borough.
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The Plan will shape development in the urban area to meet the needs of our communities, respecting and enhancing the unique characters of our towns and villages.
Read more on the council’s website here: News | Home | Elmbridge News
Has the plan been developed in conjunction with the Weybridge Society?
The Weybridge Society made contributions to the consultation phases.
There arr already too many blocks of flats in Weybridge. I think there should be a reduction in flat building in the future.
How do we get St George’s Hill renamed as Free Ukraine Hill?
I would be interested to hear more as to how the LD plan will protect the Green Belt and enhance green infrastructure and biodiversity in the Borough. It is so important to not just maintain, but develop, wildlife corridors. Hedgehogs and bats in particular rely on undergrowth to get food and to travel safely. Maintaining tree lines that bats follow, and developing hedges is critical to their survival. Frogs, toads and newts are an critical animals in the food chain and need natural ponds, without goldfish, to survive. Elmbridge is not even maintaining biodiversity let alone enhancing it, so please share information on how the LD party will work with the public to achieve this. In my view this is not about money but about individual will to make a difference.
Dear Diane,
Thank you for your comment. The new Local Plan has at its heart sustainable developments and the protection of green belt and green spaces. Underpinning these top level aims will be Development Management Plans which give more detail in how developers must meet these criteria in terms of low carbon construction and buildings, provision of amenity spaces and the safeguarding of trees and habitats.
Many neighbourhood schemes have benefitted from money to support biodiversity projects over the last three years via the council’s Greenspaces grants.