Gone are the days when local government drew lines on a map to indicate where different types of development was allowed to take place. Development control as it was called has given way to development management. This can be positive if the borough is active in providing a coherent plan for Weybridge but it can be a property developers charter if the plans are not robust enough.
The national government’s introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework in 2012 radically changed the planning scheme in England. All the planning authorities in the county were obliged to review their own policies to ensure that they were aligned with the new framework. They were given twelve months to do so.
Elmbridge has been reviewing all its policies and has been changing them as necessary and two are ready for consultation
The Development Management Plan will contain the day to day policies against which planning applications and enforcement action will be assessed. It will contain the policies needed to manage the appropriate delivery of high quality development across Elmbridge.
Weybridge Investment and Development Plan. The aim of each of this plan is to identify both the development that will come forward and investment that will support any growth. Each plan will identify:
- key sites for the delivery of new housing, commercial premises and community buildings
- pitches for gypsies and travellers (none is planned for Weybridge)
- schools and colleges where there are opportunities for expansion
- open spaces that need to be protected and some earmarked for enhancement
- employment land that should remain as such because of its strategic importance
- infrastructure improvements and priorities
If you want you seee more there is a road-show at 10-1pm, on Thursday, 18 April, in Churchfield Road Public Car Park
How to comment
All comments must be submitted by 4pm on Monday 20 May 2013 via:
I encourage you to comment using the on-line consultation portal on the borough’s webpages. This will enable officers to process your comments more efficiently saving the borough both time and money.
If you have any further queries please contact our planning policy team on 01372 474787.
