2025/1386: Land north and east of Raleigh House, Raleigh Drive, Claygate, Esher

6 October

Planning application update: 2025/1386: Land north and east of Raleigh House, Raleigh Drive, Claygate, Esher

On 22 September 2025, the Council published an update regarding the above planning application. The update explained that on 17 September, Government had made changes to Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) on Flood Risk and Coastal Change. As a result, the Council needed to review whether the original Planning Committee resolution of 16 September (to refuse the application on flood risk and Sequential Test grounds) remained appropriate.

After reviewing the changes to the PPG and obtaining specialist legal advice, it has been determined that a material change in circumstances has occurred, requiring the Planning Committee to reconsider its previous resolution.

The application will therefore be on the Planning Committee agenda for Tuesday, 14 October 2025. The agenda for this meeting will be published today, Monday 6 October 2025, with an updated Committee Report made available. 

The updated Committee Report sets out in further detail the changes made to PPG and the implications for this application. It also sets out the scope for which the Planning Committee is able to re-examine the application and the planning balance, which is exclusively on the basis of: 

1. Grey Belt status – specifically the flood risk component in terms of whether it would amount to a strong reason for refusal.
2. Flood risk – both in its own right and as part of the Grey Belt test.
3. The amended PPG advice on flood risk, including its advice on Housing Land Supply considerations.
4. The overall planning balance in light of the above issues. 

The Council is accepting further comments on these four points. The application can be reviewed on the Council’s website and comments submitted online. Comments can also be emailed to Planning Services via tplan@elmbridge.gov.uk. If assistance is required accessing the application, or submitting comments, please call 01372 474474. For guidance on making a comment visit elmbridge.gov.uk/comment.

Public speaking on this item will be permitted. Those who addressed the Planning Committee on the 16 September, will be invited to re-address the Committee focusing on the points above. 

The officer recommendation remains that the application should granted permission subject to receipt of a S106 agreement. 

Notes:

Updates to PPG - Flood Risk & Coastal Change: Paragraphs 23, 27 and 28. Addition of paragraph 27a (published 17 September 2025). 

Planning Committee Agenda - https://mygov.elmbridge.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=130&MId=4777

22 September 2025

Planning application update: 2025/1386: Land north and east of Raleigh House, Raleigh Drive, Claygate, Esher

At the Planning Committee meeting held on 16 September 2025, Members resolved to refuse planning permission for the proposal at Land north and east of Raleigh Drive, citing reasons related to flood risk and the Sequential Test.

Prior to issuing the Decision Notice, the Council became aware of updates to the Government’s Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) concerning Flood Risk and Coastal Change. These updates were published on 17 September 2025.

The council needs to review these updates. It must assess whether it is reasonable for the original resolution of the Planning Committee to remain unchanged. This must be done before the Decision Notice is issued.

Should it be necessary for the Planning Committee to review their resolution, the Council will aim for this to take place at their meeting on 14 October 2025. 

The council will provide updates on making representations (if appropriate) as soon as possible. 

Notes:

Updates to PPG - Flood Risk & Coastal Change: Paragraphs 23, 27 and 28. Addition of paragraph 27a (published 17 September 2025).