Draft Local Plan questions and answers

What is happening with the Elmbridge Local Plan?

The Planning Inspectorate has determined that Elmbridge Borough Council does not have a sufficient plan in place to build enough homes in the borough to support the housing challenges facing the country and especially the lack of affordable housing in Elmbridge.

The council has therefore been given two options by the Planning Inspector: either withdraw the Plan or, she will issue her final report finding the plan “unsound”. In both scenarios, work will need to start on a new draft Local Plan for Elmbridge.

Officers have written to the Inspector stating that the council is minded to withdraw the Plan however, that this decision can only be made by Cabinet and Council. 

Who makes the decision on withdrawing the Local Plan?

Our constitution makes clear that only Elmbridge Cabinet and Council can make the decision to withdraw the draft Local Plan. Therefore, a report will be taken to February Cabinet and Council meetings for decision outlining the options before us.

Why withdraw the Local Plan as opposed to having it found “unsound”?

The report to Cabinet will set out the options including the associated advantages and disadvantaged.

At this stage however, it is felt that the Planning Inspector has given sufficient detail in her ‘Initial Findings Letter’ regarding the direction of any future Local Plan. In addition, withdrawing the plan will save the council the cost of the Planning Inspector writing her report (approximately £1000 a day), and allow us to reset as quickly as possible.

Does creating a new Local Plan make all the evidence and surveys connected to the previous draft Local Plan invalid?

As part of the preparation of a new Local Plan, we will consider which of its evidence base documents need to be updated.  

Some may require a small ‘re-fresh’ whereas others, will need to be ‘re-run’ to consider for example, the availability of sites and consideration of the infrastructure required to support new development in the borough. 

It is key to any Local Plan that it is underpinned by an up-to-date evidence base which will look at the needs of the borough for at least 15 years.

How many homes does Elmbridge need to build each year?

The number of homes that the council will be required to plan for is set out in the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The current figure for Elmbridge is for 653 homes per year (NPPF, 2023).

However, the government has consulted on proposed changes to the NPPF with the expectation that Elmbridge should provide for 1,443 homes per year.

We will need to see what the final figure is for Elmbridge when the NPPF is published. The government has stated that this will be in December 2024.

However, it is important to note that the housing target for Elmbridge will be set through the new Local Plan and that the number from the NPPF isn't automatically transposed. As part of the preparation of the Local Plan, consideration will be given to whether the impacts on the borough of providing for this level of development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. This can include for example, impacts on the character of the borough and our infrastructure network including highways. 

Does a new Local Plan mean that green belt sites are potentially impacted?

The Planning Inspectorate has made it clear that Elmbridge needs to have a robust Plan to build more homes in the borough and the urban only approach presented at the examination fell well short of our housing need. It has therefore stated that green belt sites will need to be considered as part of that Plan.

A new Local Plan would consider and consult on all land options in the borough to look to meet the housing target set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Will Elmbridge Borough Council consult on the new Local Plan?

We always aim to be open and transparent in our work and Planning is no exception, especially the creation of Local Plans. These are very much driven by public consultation and engagement throughout the process.

How can EBC stop development on our green spaces in our urban areas without an up-to-date Local Plan?

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. 

How long will it take to prepare a new Local Plan?

Local Plans take a long time to create; at least 3-4 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. 

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.

How does this impact current planning applications such as Hersham Golf Course?

The applications for Hersham Golf Course will be assessed against the Elmbridge current Core Strategy and Development Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) . If government publishes a new NPPF before the applications are determined (which they are expected to announce in December 2024), any new policy in the new NPPF will also apply to the determination of these applications.

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.

What is the impact for the Claygate way forward and Shaping Hersham work?

We remain committed to working with Claygate Parish Council and the community of Hersham on our shared placemaking objectives for their communities and we will continue working with the Parish Council and our residents, and Hersham residents on those aims.

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

At Elmbridge’s February 2025 Cabinet meeting, Councillors will be discussing 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
• 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. 

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

We are committed to supporting more people in need in our community.

Currently our community services help 2% of the Elmbridge population, mainly older people, through our Centres for the Community, meals on wheels, community transport and dementia services. 

However, our research shows a greater need, that at least 9% of our residents need help and we want to provide that help in the best and most financially sustainable way.

As part of our work to help more people in need in Elmbridge, we’re inviting residents to share what they value about community services and ideas on how to better support vulnerable people in Elmbridge. There is an online survey and paper copies available at our Centres for the Community.

Will Elmbridge Borough Council 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.