Staines Development Framework - Objectives and Options consultation FAQs

Is this the same as the Local Plan?

The Staines Development Framework is an important part of the new Local Plan and will set out the opportunities for Staines-upon-Thames to deliver new homes, commercial activity and supporting infrastructure (healthcare, education, public facilities etc) in the town centre. The Development Framework will become a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which means it will form part of the statutory planning policy framework for Spelthorne. Once adopted, the framework will set a clear vision and strategy for the transformation and regeneration of the centre of Staines.

When does consultation open and how long does it run for?

Consultation opens at 9am on Tuesday 18 May.  The consultation runs for six -weeks and ends on Tuesday 29 June at 11.59pm.

Is this my only chance to get involved?

This first stage of consultation is to consider the Objectives and Options report produced by David Lock Associates after they have spoken to key stakeholders.  The results of this stage of consultation will feed into the production of the Draft Development Framework which we will consult on later.  An indicative timetable is:

• Analysis of the Objectives and Options Staines Town Centre Framework - summer 2021
• Consultation on the Draft Staines Town Centre Framework - Autumn/Winter 2021
• Further progress on the Final Staines Town Centre Framework is tied to progress on the Local Plan. The Local Plan timetable set out in the LDS

If this is a "masterplan" for Staines-upon-Thames, where can I see a map or model? 

At this early stage we are consulting on the objectives identified and the possible options.  The development framework or masterplan has not yet been produced. 

Can the Development Framework impact all development in Staines?

As part of the new Local Plan the Staines Development Framework will impact future development in the town centre but not sites which have already been granted planning permission or where work has already started on site.  

I don't live in Staines-upon-Thames town centre, am I allowed to respond?

The Objectives and Options consultation is open to all.  The Council is asking people who live, work, study, shop and spend leisure time in Staines-upon-Thames to respond. Staines is our Borough's largest town and its future affects all of Spelthorne so we would encourage everyone to participate.   We are seeking to engage with residents of, businesses and services in, and visitors to the town, as well as other stakeholders.  The aim is to gain a clear understanding of the issues the town centre faces, and gain agreement around a set of options that can be explored and developed.

How are you publicising consultation?

• A leaflet is being sent to every home in the Borough to make residents aware of the consultation
• Information on a dedicated webpage, space has been given on the homepage of the Council website and will stay for the duration of the consultation and information on the Current Consultations page of the website
• Press release issued
• Visit Staines and Elmsleigh will be promoting on their digital screens
• Through the Council's social media channels including Facebook and Instagram
• Posters going up on the Borough noticeboards
• Adverts in The Surrey Advertiser and Heathrow Villager for next week (w/c 17 May)
• Many residents associations have been informed and invited to a briefing ahead of the start of the consultation
• Emails and letters sent to those who have registered on the Local Plan consultation database

How have the objectives and options been identified?

The Objectives and Options report sets out detailed key issues identified through a review of the evidence base and key stakeholder discussions and outlines a set of objectives for the Development Framework to address. Each objective is supported by a series of discussion points around how best to meet those objectives in the local context, and then sets out broad options for meeting them in Staines-upon-Thames.  These form the basis of the Objectives and Options questionnaire.

How can I share my views?

• read and respond to the consultation documents by visiting www.spelthorne.inconsult.uk (online questionnaire available for six weeks from 9am Tuesday 18 May to 11.59pm Tuesday 29 June)
• email your comments to: localplan@spelthorne.gov.uk
• write to: Strategic Planning, Spelthorne Borough Council, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 1XB 
• request a printed copy of the questionnaire to be posted to you - call 01784 444205 or email your postal address to localplan@spelthorne.gov.uk
• Please note that comments must be made in writing and can't be accepted verbally