Spelthorne Design Code

The statutory consultation on the final draft of the Spelthorne Design Code which ran for six weeks from the 24 June to 4 August 2025 has now closed. Local people can view the responses from their fellow community members to the online survey, which asked questions about the draft Code, at the link here.

What's happening now?

The Spelthorne Design Code Team is currently reviewing the responses from local people, organisations, businesses, elected councillors and any statutory consultees. The outcomes of the feedback from this consultation are being analysed and will be fed into, and help refine, the final version of the Code, prior to adoption.

What happens next?

Once the Code has undergone any further relevant revisions, following the public feedback from the consultation, it is expected to be presented to the Environment and Sustainability Committee in the autumn, seeking a recommendation to Council for adoption. If the Committee recommends adoption, the Code will be taken to Full Council to seek formal adoption. The Code is intended to be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

What is a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)?

An SPD is a planning document which expands upon policy and provides more detail to policies in development plans, such as the Local Plan. SPDs are a material consideration in planning decisions but are legally not part of statutory development plans, nor are they subject to independent examination.

The Design Code, once adopted as anticipated as an SPD, will have a material weight in planning decisions and will provide more detailed guidance and on how the policies in the Local Plan will be implemented in relation to design of future development. 

You can find out more about how the Code relates to the Local Plan, SPDs and other frequent questions about the Code here.