FAQs
What is a Local Plan?
Local Plans are documents that set out a vision and a framework for the future development of an area, addressing needs and opportunities in relation to housing, the economy, community facilities, infrastructure, the environment, climate change adaptation, and good design.
Why is a new Local Plan for Runnymede important?
The policies within the Local Plan are used to guide development and decide planning applications. They also assist in the delivery of many Council services and priorities, such as the securing of affordable housing, achieving high quality development in the area, managing the location, quantity, and quality of development, and promoting the vibrancy and vitality of our town centres.
Why does Runnymede need a new Local Plan?
The current 2030 Local Plan was adopted in 2020 and can be found on adopted Runnymede 2030 Local Plan page.
Much has changed nationally and locally since the current Local Plan was adopted. After recently reviewing its policies, the Council found that many aspects of it are considered out-of-date and therefore a new Local Plan is required, containing updated policies.
What impact does Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) have on the new Local Plan?
LGR means that on 1 April 2027 a new West Surrey unitary council will replace the territory currently covered by Runnymede, Guildford, Waverley, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking councils. The new Local Plan will still be underway at that time. In spite of this, Government has stated that they expect councils to progress promptly with preparing new Local Plans and that LGR should not be used as a reason to delay this. The current expectation is that the new Local Plan will cover the same geography as Runnymede Borough Council. In the future, it is likely that a Local Plan would be prepared across a larger area.
What is the process for preparing the new Local Plan?
The Government has recently introduced a new plan-making process, consisting of several stages. The key stages and milestones are set out in the new Local Plan timetable, which was adopted by the Council on 25 February 2026.
A number of documents must also be prepared to inform policy development – these documents form the evidence base underpinning the new Local Plan. These documents can be found on the Evidence Base page.
We are currently at the early stages of plan-making called the ‘getting ready’ stage, which will involve a ‘scoping consultation’ exploring what the new Local Plan should contain and how we’ll engage with stakeholders going forward. More details on this new 30-month local plan process can be found in the government planning practice guidance:
Why is consultation required and why is it important?
The plan-making process is made up of a number of key stages, and, in accordance with legislation, includes opportunities for formal public and stakeholder consultation (in addition to ongoing engagement activity). We must carry out a 'scoping consultation', consultation on the proposed local plan content and evidence, and consultation on the proposed local plan.
These consultations ask for views on key local plan topics or themes, draft policies and site allocations, inviting the public, interested parties and 'statutory' consultees to make representations (responses), over a set consultation period. We use a mix of engagement methods - good quality engagement from a diverse range of sources will help inform plan development, and provide a strong foundation for the plan.
How can I receive news about the development of the new Local Plan?
You can sign up to receive news and updates, and to participate in future consultations.
This form helps us improve the content and structure of our webpages only, and we cannot provide a response to any submission below.