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. Local plan timetable to have effect from the date of its publication.
Geographic Scope:
The new Reigate & Banstead Borough local plan will cover the whole of the administrative borough of Reigate & Banstead.
Matters:
The new local plan will include a Vision, spatial strategy, strategic policies and design code policies for the whole borough, any detailed local development management or 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 |
|---|---|---|
| September 2023 | Pre-commencement | 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). Apply to become Local Plan Pathfinder Authority 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 |
| October 2024 | Give “Notice of Start” | 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 |
| January 2025 | Draft a Vision and Strategy consultation document | Draft consultation material and internal reports Continue preparing evidence |
| March 2025 | Gateway 1 Check | To consider the Council’s local plan Project Initiation Document (PID) To include proposed local plan scope and proposed methods of engagement and consultation |
| July 2025 | Report to Council seeking authority to consult on draft Vision and Strategy | |
| August - September 2025 | 8-week consultation on draft Vision and Strategy | Formal consultation – To seek input and feedback on the vision, aims and objectives of the local plan |
| October - December 2025 | Consider consultation responses | Responses and further evidence to inform drafting of local plan |
| January 2026 | Gateway 2 | To consider progress against the PID and engagement |
| June - September 2026 | Report to Council seeking authority to consult on draft Vision and Strategy | Reports to internal Local Plan Action Group (LPAG) and Leaders for comments before Council meeting |
| October and November 2026 | 6-week consultation on draft local plan | Formal consultation – on draft LP |
| December 2026 - March 2027 | Consider consultation responses | Reports to internal Local Plan Action Group (LPAG) and Leaders for comments before Council meeting to seek authorisation to submit |
| April 2027 | Gateway 3 | To consider procedural and legal requirements, actions against advice provided at Gateways 1 & 2, evidence |
| July 2027 | to Council seeking authority to submit local plan | |
| August 2027 | Submit local plan for independent examination | |
| August 2027 - February 2028 | Examination | |
| March - June 2028 | Finalise Local Plan | |
| July 2028 | Report to Council seeking adoption of new local plan |