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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.

Government consultation on planning policy

A image of a building with scaffolding

We've responded to a Government consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Julia McShane, and  Lead Councillor for Planning, Councillor Fiona White, wrote to Angela Rayner MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Their letter:

  • confirmed our support for a plan-led planning system,
  • expressed concern about proposed changes to the way housing need is calculated,
  • raised concerns about speculative development applications, and the potential release of Green Belt land during the update period for our Local Plan.

Councillor Fiona White said:

"We fully acknowledge the Government's commitment to increasing housing delivery. We recognise that adjustments to housing numbers are needed to meet this commitment. However, it will be incredibly challenging to accommodate the level of growth requested in our borough and stronger infrastructure plans will be needed to support it.

"There are significant constraints facing Guildford. Areas are protected beyond Green Belt designation. These include the Surrey Hills National Landscape, the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, and sites of conservation importance. Also included are parts of the borough prone to flooding."

Cllr White added: "While the proposed changes regarding affordable and social housing are a positive step, we believe that these powers should be further enhanced."

Read our letter and our full response to the consultation

Watch Cllr Fiona White explain more in our video below.

Published on: 4 October 2024