Spelthorne Local Plan – final consultation phase

Since submitting the Plan for Examination in November 2022, an independent Planning Inspector has been reviewing it on behalf of the Secretary of State. Following Examination Hearings in May 2023 and January - February 2025, the Inspector asked the Council to consult on several Main Modifications earlier this year (March - April 2025).

Since that consultation, the Council has learned that one of the housing sites proposed for removal from the Green Belt is no longer available for development. Because only available sites can be considered for Green Belt release, the Council is now consulting again on retaining this site within the Green Belt.

All feedback will be sent directly to the Planning Inspector for consideration. Once he has reviewed the comments, he will issue a final report on whether the Plan meets legal requirements and can move forward to adoption. The Council will then decide whether to formally adopt the Plan, including any required changes.

Cllr Malcolm Beecher, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, said, “This marks one of the final steps before the Local Plan’s adoption. Once approved, it will help deliver affordable homes, better infrastructure, improved recreation facilities, a new sixth form college, and greater protection for our green spaces. The new Local Plan will also support action on climate change and biodiversity while giving the Council stronger grounds to defend against inappropriate development.”

This consultation is your final opportunity to comment on the proposed Further Main Modifications only - not on other parts of the Plan already examined by the Inspector. Comments should focus on whether the Plan is legally compliant and sound.

Helpful short videos explaining the Local Plan process can be viewed at: https://spelthornelocalplan.info/examination-overview/

Consultation details

Date: Friday 14 November, 12 noon – Sunday 4 January 2026 (11:59pm)

Online: via our consultation webpage Spelthorne Local Plan - Further Main Modifications - Spelthorne
Email: local.plan@spelthorne.gov.uk
Post:
Strategic Planning
Spelthorne Borough Council
Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 1XB