Spelthorne Local Plan public consultation

Since Spelthorne Borough Council submitted its emerging Local Plan for Examination in November 2022, an independent Planning Inspector has been examining the Plan on behalf of the Secretary of State.

Following the recent Examination Hearing sessions held in January and February, Inspector Bridgwater considered everything that has been said, alongside the written feedback and submissions he received. Before the Hearings began, the Council gave the Inspector a list of proposed changes and during the Hearings he suggested some additional ones. These changes, known as Main Modifications, are now open for public consultation, giving people chance to share their opinions before anything is finalised.

All public feedback from the consultation will go directly to the Inspector for review.  After reviewing the comments, the Inspector will write a report stating whether the Local Plan meets legal requirements and is suitable to move forward, along with any necessary changes. This report will be published on the Local Plan website. The Council will then hold a meeting to decide whether to officially adopt the plan. If they choose to approve it they must include all changes recommended by the Inspector.

Why comment on the proposed Main Modifications?

The Council invites everyone to provide their feedback on the proposed Main Modifications. This provides the final opportunity to express opinions on specific aspects of the emerging Local Plan. Please note that the questions at this final stage are quite technical and related to the legal compliance and soundness of the Plan. It is helpful to have some prior knowledge of the Local Plan but you do not need to have taken part in previous consultations to respond.  The Planning Inspectorate has produced a helpful series of short videos which explain a bit more about the process which can be viewed on the Local Plan website https://spelthornelocalplan.info/examination-overview/

The dates for this consultation are as follows:

Start date: 12noon on Thursday 3 April 2025

Duration: 6 weeks

End date: 11.59pm on Thursday 15 May 2025

How to comment on the proposed Main Modifications

Online

Representations can be made via our dedicated consultation web page https://spelthorne.inconsult.uk/MMconsultation/consultationHome where you will be able to read all supporting documents and submit your views on the proposed changes to the Plan.  For the Main Modification you would like to comment on, you can complete a short questionnaire to let us know if you think it makes the Local Plan legally compliant and legally sound. There is also the opportunity to give further details and to submit supporting documents for your representation. You can express your views on as many Main Modifications to the Plan as you would like.

By email

Written representations can also be made by email to local.plan@spelthorne.gov.uk

By post

You can also make written representations and send it to the Council at Strategic Planning, Spelthorne Borough Council, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 1XB

Cllr Malcolm Beecher, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, said: "We welcome the news that the Local Plan has reached this final stage of consultation. This is the latest milestone that marks the end of a positive series of public Examination hearings. The Local Plan will bring many benefits and protections to Spelthorne, and we look forward to having it adopted, so that we can move onto the 'delivery phase' of the Plan."

The consultation represents the next positive step toward the adoption of the Local Plan. Following this public consultation, the Inspector will write to the Council to advise if the Plan is 'Sound' with the proposed Main Modifications, before being brought back for a decision by Councillors on whether the Council should adopt it.

An out-dated Local Plan and not having a five-year supply of housing has made it harder for the Council to win planning appeals. However the new Local Plan will bring may important benefits such as more affordable housing, family homes with gardens, improved local infrastructure, better sports and recreation facilities, a new sixth form college and stronger protection for urban green spaces.  It also takes positive steps to address climate change and safeguard local biodiversity.

For more information, email local.plan@spelthorne.gov.uk or call 01784 444205.