What is a Local Plan?
The Local Plan contains the overall vision and framework for future development in the area, addressing needs and opportunities in relation to housing, the economy, community facilities and infrastructure – as well as providing a basis for conserving and enhancing the natural and historic environment, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and achieving well designed places. The emerging Local Plan will set out how the local area will develop over at least the next 15 years and once adopted, will replace the 2009 Development Plan.
Spelthorne’s Local Plan will deliver other significant benefits including affordable housing, family homes with gardens, local infrastructure, sports and recreation enhancements, a new sixth form college and greater protection for our urban open spaces.
Public Hearing
Spelthorne Borough Council has announced public hearing dates for the examination of its Local Plan.
Hearings for the Local Plan were originally held in May 2023 before an Extraordinary meeting of the Council in June 2023 resolved to ask the Inspector to pause the Examination Hearings, a request which was agreed by Independent Inspector, Jameson Bridgwater PGDipTP MRTPI. A further pause was also granted following a second request from the Council in September 2023.
In July 2024, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, Cllr Malcolm Beecher, wrote to the Planning Inspector requesting resumption of the Local Plan examination, and in October the Environment Agency and the Council signed a Statement of Common Ground.
The hearings will be held in person at Spelthorne Council’s offices with arrangements in place for virtual participation where required. Those who made representations will have the opportunity to appear at the hearings and speak directly to the Inspector.
When?
The dates for the hearings are as follows, starting at 10am each day. The dates include reserve sessions:
- Monday 27 January 2025 – Friday 31 January 2025
- Monday 10 February 2025 – Friday 14 February 2025
- Monday 17 February 2025 – Friday 21 February 2025
Where?
The sessions will be held at the Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames TW18 1XB. Details regarding participation and specific discussion topics for each date will be confirmed closer to the opening of the hearings. Arrangements will be made for people to observe the hearing sessions in person.
Visit http://www.spelthornelocalplan.info/ for full details and to check any changes or updates to the programme. All relevant documents will also be available here.
Cllr Malcolm Beecher, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, said:
“We welcome the news that the Inspector is keen to progress with the public hearings. The Local Plan will bring many benefits and protections to Spelthorne and we look forward to having it adopted so we can move onto the ‘delivery phase’ of the Plan.”
Queries?
All queries regarding the Examination should be directed to the Programme Officer, Charlotte Glancy, via email bankssolutionsuk@gmail.com
Telephone 01903 776601
Mobile 7519 628064.
Writing to C/O Banks Solutions, 80 Lavinia Way, East Preston, West Sussex, BN16 1DD.
Independent Spelthorne Group (ISG) 