Decision

Resolved that

(a)      the contents and implications from this report be noted and that work on a new Local Plan for Elmbridge be commenced in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026;

(b)      the publication of the Timetable in accordance with Regulations 4 and 5 and superseding in its entirety the Council’s current Local Development Scheme (March 2025), be approved

(c)      a formal ‘Notice of Intention to Commence’ be published by 31 December 2026, at the latest, in line with Regulation 19;

(d)      authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, to approve updates to the Timetable throughout the duration of the plan-making process, and as required, in line with Regulation 6;

(e)      authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, to approve, publish and submit all documents relating to, and required by, the statutory ‘Scoping Stage’ (Regulation 20);

(f)       authority be delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Planning, to approve for publication and submission, all documents relating to and required by Gateway 1 (Regulation 21);

(g)      the current Statement of Community Involvement, last updated and published November 2024, and with respect to planning policy engagement, be cancelled; and

(h)      authority be delegated to the Planning Policy and Strategy Manager, to approve and agree Statements of Common Ground (SoCG).