Answering your questions on the draft Local Plan

How many houses does Elmbridge need to build each year?

650 homes each year are required under the national planning policy framework (2021). 650 over 18 years, which is 11,700 homes.

Consideration will also need to be given to any backlog and buffers that are required by national planning policy which could see this figure increase. 

Which green belt sites are potentially impacted?

In preparing the draft Local Plan, various options were considered regarding the potential number and locations for new homes within the borough.

One of these options included several sites within the green belt which will need to be revisited to see if they remain available and suitable for development. In addition, other sites in the borough may now come forward. We need to assess all options to address the shortfall in new home numbers as set out in the Planning Inspector’s letter.

If we don't act, Elmbridge’s planning decisions will be vulnerable to challenges, which could result in us losing control over development in the borough. This might lead to applications for projects on land we find unsuitable, and a higher number of decisions being made by the Planning Inspector through the appeals process.

Does the Inspector’s letter make all the evidence and surveys connected to the draft Local Plan invalid?

No, they are not invalid, but they do need to be updated to reflect our borough in 2024/25. 

Will EBC consult on any changes to the draft Local Plan?

We always aim to be open and transparent in our work and Planning is no exception. 

We will publish the next steps for the draft Local Plan as soon as possible, which will include a proposed timetable of activity. We need to agree the next steps with the Planning Inspector in the first instance.

September’s Elmbridge Cabinet is considering a new community engagement framework which reinforces our commitment to being open, transparent and collaborative in our work.

How can EBC stop development on our green spaces in our urban areas?

We feel as strongly as our communities about the importance of the borough’s green spaces in our urban areas and ensuring that these highly valued areas are protected from development.

Our current planning policies protect Elmbridge’s green spaces in urban areas from development. 

Our Development Management Plan (2015) states that existing open spaces, sport and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless:

• an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements,
• the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location, or
• the development is for alternative sports and recreation provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.

Planning policies relating to our green spaces include Core Strategy Policy CS14 – Green Infrastructure and Development Management Policy DM20 – Open Spaces and views.  

If EBC had have worked faster would Elmbridge have an approved Local Plan?

Our draft Local Plan was ambitious, aiming to balance residents' concerns about green belt development with the urgent need for new homes in the borough, particularly affordable homes. 

We submitted a draft Plan for examination that prioritised Elmbridge's best interests, focusing on sustainability and biodiversity while promoting new housing and economic growth, all while safeguarding the green belt.

Local Plans take a long time to create; at least four years. The depth of evidence needed, plus the numerous consultations take time to work through in the meticulous way required to approve a Local Plan. Changes to national policy and the workforce implications of the Covid pandemic also impacted the preparation work for Elmbridge’s draft Local Plan.

Will we now have more high-rise flats in Elmbridge?

Protecting the character of the borough remains a priority. While we will continue to optimise sites for new homes, the character of the area will remain important, and our Design Code supports the protection of local character. 

The Elmbridge Design Code is a set of concise, design requirements which set principles for new development in an area. It aims to reflect local character and design preferences, providing a framework for creating high-quality design in the borough. It supports the implementation of the existing Local Plan policies relating to design matters.

Our roads are already too busy; how can we have more development?

A sound Local Plan is the only way we can ensure sustainable development in our communities with the necessary supporting infrastructure – roads, schools, medical facilities.

An assessment of the level of development proposed in the Local Plan and the impact this could have on our existing infrastructure will be undertaken and mitigations proposed to either manage the infrastructure impact or increase the current infrastructure in line with development.

Developing in sustainable locations will continue to be the focus on the Local Plan – locating development in our centres and sites close to railway stations, that reduce the need for cars. 

We will also continue to work closely with Surrey County Council to enhance walking and cycling routes in the borough.

How does this impact current planning applications such a Hersham Shopping Centre and Hersham Golf Course?

The applications for Hersham Shopping Centre and Hersham Golf Course will be assessed against the Elmbridge current Core Strategy and Development Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2023. If government adopts a new NPPF before the applications are determined any new policy in the new NPPF will also apply to the determination of these applications.

More information on the upcoming Shaping Hersham engagement. 

What is the impact for Lower Green placemaking?

There is engagement work currently underway for Lower Green placemaking.

Community views are important for this work as we will work with the residents and businesses of Lower Green to:

• improve transport connections with neighbouring communities
• create new homes for local people
• provide more opportunities for employment
• increase access to green spaces and improved wellbeing opportunities
• enhance community facilities
• and attract more people to the area

More information on Lower Green placemaking.

What is the impact for the Elm Grove development brief?

There is no impact on the Elm Grove development brief. Elmbridge Borough Council and local NHS services are continuing to work through the redevelopment options  for Elm Grove.

More information on Elm Grove.

What is the impact for the Jolly Boatman site?

The proposed development at the Jolly Boatman site has planning permission.  The consent of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has been sought by Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd and Alexpo (IOM) Ltd.

The Secretary of State launched a consultation earlier this year to seek any new information or evidence relating to the proposed development that has emerged since the Planning Inquiry decision before reaching her view. We are waiting for the outcome.

Further background information.

What is the impact for the Claygate way forward work?

We remain committed to working with Claygate Parish Council on our shared placemaking objectives for the Village and we will continue working with the Parish Council on those aims.

Does this mean EBC will build lots of new houses on the Civic Centre site?

The draft Local Plan has identified the Civic Centre site for 400 new homes. At Elmbridge’s September Cabinet meeting, Councillors will be discussing funding to evaluate the future of the Civic Centre building in Esher.

In the last few months, exploration work has been undertaken to determine whether to construct a new Civic Centre or relocate to a building that better aligns with the services we offer residents, meets the needs of our employees, accommodates our partners, and allows for the most efficient use of space in a central town location.

In addition to the financials, assessments will consider the following:

• our contribution to the economy of Esher High Street
• our role as a key local employer
• our carbon neutral ambitions
• securing Surrey Police presence at a Civic Hub
• supporting the Esher Town Centre vision, including providing much needed play space
• implementing at a pace that minimises the disruption to our employees, partners, and our residents as user of the services we provide. 

Delivering much needed housing is a priority for Elmbridge Borough Council and the requirement for both town centre and affordable homes that meet local demands will also be considered as part of the future of the Civic Centre.

More information on the Civic Centre plans.

Does this mean the Centres for the Community could be replaced with housing?

The Centres for the Community will not be impacted by the Planning Inspector’s letter on the draft Local Plan. Residents may know that we are looking at the community services we provide with the aim of helping more vulnerable people and that work remains a priority for the council.

Will EBC build homes on Elmbridge owned car parks?

Our car park strategy acknowledges the vital role that car parks play in supporting vibrant high streets. It also recognises that underutilised car parks offer a chance to repurpose these resources in ways that can benefit the whole community in Elmbridge.

              Update on the draft Local Plan