Toggle menu

Have your say on the future of local councils in Surrey

Take part in a landmark Government consultation on proposals to replace Surrey's current councils with up to three larger authorities. We support a three unitary approach - Find out more and read our consultation question guide.

Join us for a special online engagement session hosted by the Leaders of Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils on Thursday 3 July from 7pm to 8pm via Microsoft Teams. We'll explain what Local Government Reorganisation is, outline the different options being considered, and show you how to get involved. Sign up for the session (opens new window).

Search or comment on a planning application

What happens next?

How do we decide?

After the 21 day consultation period, a caseworker will visit the site. They consider all comments and other planning issues. Caseworkers decide based on:

  • design issues
  • privacy
  • traffic
  • access
  • landscaping
  • noise

The caseworker cannot decide based on:

  • private property matters
  • any effect on the value of the property
  • the loss of a view
  • anything covered by other legislation
  • the character or motives of an applicant

The caseworker will then recommend how we should answer an application. Sometimes we'll ask local councillors to consider the caseworker's recommendation. This would happen if:

  • there are lots of objections
  • the caseworker recommends we refuse to give planning permission

The council might disagree with the caseworker's recommendation. In this case, the Planning Committee discuss the application. The caseworker's report will be on the case file once we decide.