Emerging Local Plan
The Council began work to prepare our new Local Plan in early 2023 in accordance with the time frame set out in the Local Development Scheme (LDS). A formal launch event for new Local Plan was held in February 2023.
Local Plans set out where new development like homes, commercial space and facilities will go and guides what development looks like, over 15 years. They also ensure that facilities and services such as schools, GP surgeries and public transport are put in place to support development as well as protect the environment and character of the area.
Emerging local plan evidence
Preparing a Local Plan takes several years and we are starting now with gathering and updating evidence to inform the new Local Plan.
For further information please visit the emerging local plan evidence webpages.
Local Development Scheme
The Local Development Scheme provides a detailed timetable and project plan for emerging policy. It sets out what documents the Council is preparing and when consultation and examination will take place.
Since the publication of our Local Development Scheme in 2022, there have been some changes to national planning policy, and changes to the local plan making process are also in the pipeline, which will affect how we produce our new Local Plan and the timelines for doing so. The below indicative timetable provides expected timelines for our new Local Plan, however this will be subject to change once the new process is confirmed.
Emerging Local Plan Indicative Timetable
Indicative local plan timetable for a new local plan to be produced under the system introduced by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, pending regulations and guidance
Geographic Scope:
The new Reigate and Banstead Borough local plan will cover the whole of the administrative borough of Reigate and Banstead
Matters:
The new local plan will include a Vision, spatial strategy and strategic policies for the whole borough, any protection policies needed, and site allocations for the Borough. A Policies map will also be prepared to accompany the new local plan, showing the site allocations, and designation within the Borough.
| Date | Stage | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 February 2023 - April 2025 | Pre-commencement |
1 February 2023 Local Plan launch event. Continue preparing evidence to inform local plan, including procurement of external specialist support where needed. Present emerging evidence to internal Local Plan Action Group (LPAG). Produce a working ‘Project Programme’ including Risk Assessment once Regulations and Guidance setting out detail on the operation of the new local plan system have been published |
|
As soon as the new style local plan regulations are published in 2025. Subject to Government’s new Local Plan system timetable |
Give “Notice of Start” to PINS |
Start of “30 month” local plan making process Scope the local plan and the related sustainable environmental assessment (SEA) / Environmental Outcomes including early engagement with interested parties Continue preparing evidence and Regulatory Assessments |
| January - June 2025 |
Draft a spatial Vision and strategy options and objectives Issues and Options consultation LP document |
- |
|
As soon as the new style local plan regulations are published in 2025. Subject to Government’s new Local Plan system timetable |
Gateway 1 Assessment |
To consider the Council’s local plan Project Initiation Document (PID) To include proposed local plan scope and proposed methods of engagement and consultation |
| October 2025 | Council |
Report to Council - recommending agreement be given to consult on draft Vision, and Issues and Options (including spatial strategies) |
| November - December 2025 | 8-week consultation Issues and Options consultation |
Formal consultation - to seek input and feedback on the vision, aims and objectives of the local plan |
| January 2026 | Consider consultation responses | Responses and further evidence to inform drafting of local plan |
| February - June 2026 | Further evidence, assessments and drafting the Local Plan | - |
|
June 2026 Subject to Government’s new Local Plan system timetable |
Gateway 2 | To consider progress against the PID and engagement |
| September 2026 | Report to Council seeking authority to consult on draft Local Plan | Report to Council recommending agreement be given to consult on draft local plan. |
| October - November 2026 | 8-week consultation on draft local plan | Formal consultation |
| December 2026 - March 2027 | Consider consultation responses | - |
| April 2027 | Gateway 3 | To consider procedural and legal requirements, actions against advice provided at earlier Gateways. |
| July 2027 | Seek Council authority to submit Local Plan and evidence for Examination | - |
| August 2027 | Submit local plan for independent examination | - |
| August 2027 - February 2028 | Examination | - |
| March to June 2028 | Any Main Modifications additional consultation and finalise Local Plan | Possible 6-weeks additional consultation if a Main Modifications consultation is needed |
| September 2028 | Report to Council seeking adoption of new local plan | - |