Local Plan Review 2044

Information about the preparation of the Local Plan Review, 2044.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is a Local Plan?

A Local Plan sets out the vision for future development in the borough, by providing policies and site allocations which planning applications must be determined in accordance with. It helps us plan for future housing, jobs, infrastructure and environmental protection. Every area in the country should have an up-to-date Local Plan.

2. What is our currently adopted Local Plan?

Our currently adopted Local Plan consists of:  

  • The Core Strategy and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document 2012 and the Policies Map 2012
  • The Local Plan 2000 (extant saved policies)
  • Camberley Town Centre Area Action Plan (2011-2018) and Policies Map

The adopted Local Plan covers the period 2011 to 2028. The Core Strategy was adopted in 2012.

3. What is the ‘new Local Plan’?

At the time of writing, the new Local Plan refers to the Surrey Heath Local Plan 2019 to 2038. We intend to adopt this plan later in 2026. Once adopted the Surrey Heath Local Plan 2019 – 2038 will be the Local Plan for Surrey Heath.  

4. What is the ‘Local Plan Review’?

The Local Plan Review refers to the next new Local Plan for Surrey Heath which will cover the period 2026 to 2044.  

5. Why is there already a Local Plan Review when the new Local Plan hasn’t been adopted yet?

We intend to adopt the new Local Plan later in 2026, as soon as possible after we received the Inspector’s report. However, new planning legislation published in March 2026 means that we must take steps towards starting the Local Plan Review 2044, ahead of adopting Local Plan 2038. In particular, we were required to issue our Notice to commence plan making by 30th June 2026.  

6. Has the national Plan-making system changed?  

Yes. We need to prepare the Local Plan Review under the Government's new Plan-making system. The aim of the new system is to try to speed up the process of Plan-making and ensure that plans are more regularly updated.

The key stages are:

  • Getting ready
  • Preparing the plan leading to the proposed plan
  • Submit plan for examination
  • Adopt the plan
  • Monitor the plan

The stages are set out in this diagram showing an overview of the new process (GOV.UK). The legislation sets out the particular sequence of tasks (GOV.UK) and gateways for plan-making.  There are three gateways prior to the examination of the plan.

The full regulations are the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026 and related commencement orders under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.

7. Will the Local Plan Review 2044 have to provide more homes?  

Yes. The new Local Plan 2038 has a shortfall in housing compared to the recently increased housing requirement for the area. Therefore, the Local Plan Review 2044 must be prepared in a way that meets the new targets.  

8. Why does having an up-to-date Local Plan matter?

Local Plans are important because they guide planning decisions, and help make sure that development happens in a coordinated and sustainable way.  An up-to-date Local Plan has many benefits:

  • Providing certainty for communities, developers and the council
  • More able to resist development in the wrong location
  • Focuses the council on delivery
  • Access to more funding and attracts investment
  • Manages conflict and benefits the whole area

The risk of not having an up-to-date Local Plan is that inappropriate development would be granted permission and there would be possible Government intervention to get plan-making back on track.  

9. How will Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) affect the plan making process?

Councils in Surrey are currently undergoing reorganisation.  In April 2027, Surrey Heath Borough Council will cease to exist and West Surrey Council will be the Planning Authority for the Surrey Heath area. The new council will be responsible for all local services currently provide by the Borough Council and the County Council. If adopted, the Surrey Heath Local Plan 2044 will form part of the development plan for West Surrey Council, but it will apply only to development proposals within the current Surrey Heath area.  

10. What are the governance arrangements for the Local Plan Review in the context of LGR?  

Surrey Heath Borough Council’s councillors will continue as elected decision makers for the Local Plan Review 2044 until the end of March 2027.  The newly elected councillors for West Surrey Council are currently solely focused on arrangements for setting up the new council.  From 1st April 2027, decision making for the Local Plan Review will transfer to the West Surrey councillors.  

11. Will West Surrey make a new Local Plan in the future?  

In the longer term, it is likely a single Local Plan will be produced for the larger area.  

12. What is a Spatial Development Strategy and what does it mean for the Local Plan Review?

A Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) identifies broad locations for growth and development and the necessary infrastructure needed to support that growth. An SDS will be developed for Surrey. The Local Plan will set site specific allocations and these must be in general conformity with broad locations for growth identified in the SDS, if the SDS is operational at the time required for site allocation for the Local Plan Review. After the establishment of the West Surrey Council, a new Strategic Foundation Authority for Surrey, covering both West Surrey and East Surrey will be set up. This organisation will be responsible for producing the Surrey SDS.

14. Has the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) changed?

Yes. The Surrey Heath Local Plan 2019 to 2038, was prepared and examined based on the NPPF 2023.  The NPPF was updated in December 2024, and is due to be updated again in summer 2026. We will need to ensure that the Local Plan Review 2044 is consistent with the new NPPF.

Will I get a chance to have my say on the Local Plan Review?  

Yes, and on more than one occasion. Our timetable indicates when we expect to undertake public consultations on the Local Plan Review. The timetable beyond April 2027 depends on decisions taken by the new West Surrey Council.

The proposed key dates are:

  • September 2026: Scoping consultation
  • June 2027:    Consultation on proposed plan content and evidence
  • April 2028: Consultation on the proposed plan

We are preparing a Local Plan Engagement Strategy which will set out our approach to engagement.

You can register to receive notifications regarding our Local Plan and Policy consultations by registering on our consultation portal.