Inspector’s report received on Spelthorne’s Local Plan
The Local Plan was submitted for examination on 25 November 2022, with hearing sessions beginning on 23 May 2023. The examination process was paused in June 2023, shortly after the elections and following an Extraordinary Council Meeting, to allow time for the new council to understand and review the policies and implications of the Local Plan. The pause was extended in September 2023 in response to anticipated changes to national planning policy.
The Group Administration prioritised progressing the Local Plan and sought its adoption as soon as possible, however, to move the process forward, it was necessary to secure a Statement of Common Ground with the Environment Agency which was only achieved in October 2024. Hearing sessions recommenced in January 2025 and completed on 18 February 2025.
A total of five public consultations have taken place regarding the Local Plan. The two most recent consultations were on the proposed Main Modifications which took place in spring 2025, followed by a further consultation on the proposed removal from the Plan of a Green Belt housing site. Public consultation on the site in question closed on 4 January 2026. The receipt of the Inspector’s Report marks the conclusion of the examination process.
Planning Inspector Jameson Bridgwater PGDipTP MRTPI has confirmed that, with the recommended Main Modifications, the Spelthorne Local Plan 2024–2039/40 is sound and meets all legal requirements. These modifications were subject to two public consultation periods between April–May 2025 and November 2025–January 2026.
The Council has also made a small number of Additional Modifications to correct typographical errors and update factual information. These changes do not affect the soundness of the Plan.
The Plan will now be considered for adoption by the Environment & Sustainability Committee and at an Extraordinary Council Meeting in the coming weeks.
Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, Cllr John Turner, said: “The Inspector’s Report marks an important milestone in the development of Spelthorne’s Local Plan. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the examination process over the past few years. The Plan will now be considered by the Council for adoption, helping to guide development in the borough and support our communities over the coming years.”
Further details about the meetings can be found at https://democracy.spelthorne.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1
The meetings will be open to the public and available to stream via the Council’s YouTube channel, SpelthorneTV.
The Inspector’s Report and supporting documents are available below and can also be viewed in person at libraries across the Borough and at the Council Offices during normal opening hours for the next six weeks. Appointments to view the documents at the Council Offices can be arranged by emailing local.plan@spelthorne.gov.uk.
Further updates on the Spelthorne Local Plan are available at https://spelthornelocalplan.info/
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