Decision

The Committee resolved to:

1. Approve the commencement of the Immediate Review of the Spelthorne Local Plan, in accordance with Policy ST3 and the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026
2. Approve publication of the Local Plan Immediate Review Timetable, in accordance with the requirements of the new plan-making system.
3. Approve publication of the statutory Notice of Intention to Commence Plan-Making to formally commence plan-making and meet the Government’s Local Plan Implementation Funding requirements.
4. Approve the undertaking of a statutory Scoping Consultation in accordance with Regulation 20 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.
5. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, to make any necessary updates to the Local Plan timetable as required by the new regulations (monthly review), any minor amendments to the Scoping Consultation and as required by the new regulations to self-publish the required Gateway 1 documentation.
6. Note that decisions 1-4 fulfil the requirement of the Inspector’s Report which requires a review of the Local Plan immediately and an updated or replacement plan to be submitted for examination no later than two years from the date of adoption of the Local Plan, and note that decisions 1-4 fulfil the requirement of the letter from MHCLG dated 15 January 2026.
7. Note the implications of Local Government Reorganisation and the importance of progressing the Immediate review at pace to ensure continuity through the transition to the West Surrey Authority.
8. Agree to reconvene a Local Plan Task Group and agree the composition of the Local Plan Task Group, Membership and Terms of Reference, and review proportionality.
9. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of this Committee to agree the names of those ward members on the Local Plan Task Group.