Since Surrey Heath Borough Council submitted its emerging Local Plan for Examination in December 2024, an independent Planning Inspector has been examining the Plan on behalf of the Secretary of State.
Following the Examination hearing sessions held late last year the Inspector has set out a number of proposed changes to the Local Plan that he considers are required to ensure that the Plan is ‘sound’.
These changes, or Main Modifications, are now open for public consultation before the Inspector makes a final decision.
This six-week consultation only relates to the Proposed Main Modifications - it is not an opportunity to raise matters on any other parts of the Local Plan.
Comments can be submitted by email and by post. Further information on how to view and comment on the Main Modifications document and other consultation documents can be found on our Planning Policy Consultation Portal.
Hard copies of the consultation documents can also be viewed at locations across the borough, including the Surrey Heath Borough Council offices, parish council offices and local libraries.
The consultation runs from 28 May – 9 July 2026.
At the end of the consultation all comments received on the Main Modifications will be submitted to the independent Planning Inspector for his consideration ahead of the production of his final Report. Subject to the findings of that Report, the final Surrey Heath Local Plan 2019 – 2038 will be adopted by the council as part of the development plan.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Built Environment & Regulation, Cllr Alan Ashbery, said: “This is a big step forward towards the adoption of the Local Plan.
"The new Surrey Heath Local Plan will play an important role in shaping Surrey Heath's future including how our town and villages develop, protecting and enhancing our natural environment, developing our local economy, delivering more homes, and supporting more sustainable forms of travel.”
Once adopted, borough councillors and planning officers will use the Local Plan to help them decide whether to approve or refuse planning applications in the borough.
Read more about the New Surrey Heath Local Plan 2019-38