The Planning and Regulatory Committee of Surrey Council met on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to discuss a range of planning matters. The committee granted permission for the redevelopment of the former Bochum Youth and Community Centre, subject to conditions, and noted reports on the Minerals and Waste Local Plan and changes to the national scheme of delegation for planning applications.

Former Bochum Youth and Community Centre Redevelopment

The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Bochum Youth and Community Centre on Lower Road, Great Bookham. The application, submitted under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, sought to vary a number of conditions attached to a previous permission. The approved changes include replacing the existing heating system with an air source heat pump, allowing the community centre to open from 8 am instead of 9 am on Mondays to Saturdays, making minor amendments to the operating hours of the multi-use games area (MUGA) and associated lighting, and revising the conditions controlling music and amplified sound.

During the discussion, Councillor Louise Morales raised concerns about the proposed music restrictions, questioning why weekend restrictions were more stringent than weekdays. Simon Edge, chair of the Bookham Residence Association, spoke in support of the application, highlighting the importance of the centre to the local community and the need for greater operational flexibility. David Cox, Chair of Trustees for the Bookham Youth and Community Association (BYCA), explained that the current restrictions made the centre unviable. He stated, Unfortunately, the conditions and operating hours, which include time for setting and clearing up, are such that it is unlikely operation of the centre will be viable.

The committee debated the possibility of amending the hours further, but officers advised that any significant changes would require a new application and re-consultation. Councillor Claire Curran, the divisional member for Bookham and Fetcham West, spoke in support of the proposed extended hours, emphasizing that the centre is intended to be a community facility for all age groups and that the proposed changes would allow it to be used to its fullest potential.

Ultimately, the committee voted to permit the application, with the recommendation to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

Minerals and Waste Local Plan

The committee received a report for information only regarding the Minerals and Waste Local Plan. The report informed members about the Government's new plan-making system and its implications for Surrey County Council as the Minerals and Waste Planning Authority. It also provided an update on the work undertaken in preparation for a new Minerals and Waste Local Plan, including the withdrawal of the old plan.

Councillor Louise Morales inquired about the timescale for the plan to be presented to East and West Surrey as separate recommendations, noting the tight schedules of these councils. Alan Ashbery commented that the implementation team looking at local government reorganisation had recommended that the minerals and waste local plan remain a Surrey entity, though this had not yet been agreed by the new councils. Sian, a councillor, confirmed that the point raised by Councillor Morales was noted and was a key action point for the implementation team. The committee agreed to note the report.

National Scheme of Delegation

A report was presented for information regarding changes to the national scheme of delegation for planning applications, which would come into effect on 31 October 2026. These regulations introduce a national scheme of delegation, categorising application types into Schedule 1 (to be determined under delegated powers by officers) and Schedule 2 (to be reviewed by a nominated member and officer through a gateway test to determine if they should be referred to committee).

Under the new regulations, members will no longer be able to call in applications, and the number of objections received will not determine if an application is heard at committee. Instead, applications will only be referred to committee if they raise significant economic, social, or environmental issues, or significant planning matters, as agreed by the nominated member and officer. The committee also noted that committees would be limited to a maximum of 13 members, with the leader and deputy leader of the council being removed as ex officio members.

Councillor Louise Morales raised a query about the wording regarding substitutes for the Chair of the Planning and Regulatory Committee. Sian confirmed that this would be clarified in the report going to full council. Councillor Ernest Mallett expressed reservations about the changes, stating, I have to say that this is obviously discriminating shall we say against the ordinary member being able to involve himself or herself on the basis of how they understand an application. Councillor Alan Ashbery echoed these concerns, noting that while the system needed reorganisation to speed up processes, the removal of the ability for members to call in applications was disturbing.

Sian explained that these changes were driven by national regulations and that deviating from them would carry a significant risk of legal challenge. She clarified that while direct lobbying would not be permitted, engagement with local members to gather their views on whether an application triggered the gateway test would still be encouraged. The committee noted the report.