The timetable for the Local Plan Review 2044 has been published.
The council is required to produce a Local Plan to meet national planning requirements and ensure future development is properly managed.
Following the introduction of a new government plan-making system in March 2026, Surrey Heath Borough Council is required to begin a review of its Local Plan before 30 June 2026. This includes setting out a proposed timetable for the review and progressing the first stages of work in accordance with that timetable.
A ‘Notice of Intention to Commence’ plan-making has now been published, and the next stage of the process includes a consultation due to start in September 2026 which seeks views from stakeholders on the scope of the Local Plan and how they wish to be engaged in the plan-making process.
This is followed by the publication of a ‘Gateway 1’ self-assessment by 31 October 2026, which formally marks the start of the 30-month plan-making process. It includes a summary of work carried out by the council to get ready to start the formal plan-making process.
The assessments for Gateways 2 and 3 will be undertaken by the Planning Inspectorate and determine readiness to progress to the next stage of plan-making.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) may have a significant impact on the production of the Local Plan Review 2044. Future stages within the process will take place after the new West Surrey Council takes over from Surrey Heath Borough Council in April 2027. The government has advised local authorities undergoing LGR to continue plan-making within existing geographies at the moment.
Alongside starting the new Local Plan Review, the council continues to progress the Surrey Heath Local Plan (2019-2038) through the final stages ahead of adoption. Adoption of the plan is expected later this year, subject to receipt of the Inspector’s report. On adoption the plan policies will be afforded full weight in planning application determination, subject to an assessment of any conflicts with national policy.
Find out more about the Local Plan Review, including a timetable and FAQs at the Local Plan Review webpages