Following initial feedback to the latest public consultation and further review work, we can now move forward and outline the next step in developing our Draft Local Plan.

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, says: “It’s crucial to make sure the plan we submit for inspection tackles local issues as well as balancing community needs across the borough. We have listened to feedback from residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders and we now need to follow this up with a targeted consultation about specific changes we propose to the latest Draft Local Plan.”

We continue to read and consider the many responses to this summer’s regulation 19 pre-submission consultation. Just over 6,000 residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders responded, 900 fewer than the previous public consultation in 2014. Between them they submitted almost 32,000 comments, a 62% increase compared to last time.

In the next targeted consultation, which we aim to complete by summer 2017, we will only be asking for comments about the proposed changes. All comments received in this summer’s regulation 19 pre-submission consultation about any unchanged aspects of the plan will remain valid, and will not be subject to further consultation. We will submit these comments to the independent Planning Inspector and publish them for everyone to read. Responses to next year’s targeted regulation 19 consultation about the proposed changes will also be submitted to the Inspector and published.

Cllr Spooner adds: “Working together is the right way to protect our borough and help our communities and economy thrive. This year’s consultation was an important and vital stage in preparing our new Plan. Next year’s targeted consultation focussing on proposed changes to the Draft Local Plan will be another opportunity for feedback, alongside the existing comments we already have. This is another major step forward in supporting future homes, jobs and leisure opportunities for local people.”

We will publish an updated Local Development Scheme as soon as possible, which will outline the revised timetable for the Local Plan.

Before the targeted consultation we will also revisit the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA), the Employment Land Needs Assessment (ELNA) and the Retail and Leisure Needs Study update. This will ensure the evidence underpinning the Local Plan is robust, up-to-date and accurate when we submit it to the Secretary of State. This review will also take into account any Brexit implications and the publication of the new 2014-based population and household projections.

We will keep you updated with the latest progress and you can find out more at www.guildford.gov.uk/newlocalplan

Published on Thursday 27 October