Epsom & Ewell’s Proposed Submission Plan (Regulation 19) consultation launched today, on 20 December, and will run until 23:59 on Wednesday 5 February 2025. Epsom & Ewell Borough Council asks residents, visitors, local businesses and partner organisations to take this opportunity to comment on the plan. The plan and all comments will be submitted to the Government for examination in March 2025. 

The Local Plan is a critical document in shaping the future of the borough: not having an up-to-date Local Plan could leave the borough at increased risk of unplanned and speculative development. 

The Regulation 19 consultation is the final opportunity to tell Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, and a government appointed planning inspector, whether the plan is legally compliant and sound, based on criteria set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. Guidance on how to respond can be found on the council’s website and on the consultation website. Comments on the plan should be made on the consultation website if possible, or by completing the response form and returning it by email or post.  

Paper copies of the Proposed Submission Local Plan can be found in the Town Hall and in local libraries and will be available to view during opening hours.  

To support those who wish to respond to the consultation but are not sure how to do so, the council has created a webinar, which can be found on the consultation website, and will offer bookable drop-in sessions to provide information and guidance on how to comment. 

Councillor O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said:

“The Local Plan is a critical document for our borough. It outlines where development should take place and where should be protected, as well as safeguarding our public open spaces and retail areas, ensuring environmental protection and higher standards for biodiversity. It supports more sustainable forms of travel across our borough, and mandates higher standards for new homes and commercial buildings. It also supports businesses and secures vital infrastructure development.  

The plan strikes the best possible balance between protecting our green spaces and preserving the heritage and character of our borough; whilst offering a vision for growth and development that will ensure our residents can find affordable homes and jobs, access recreational facilities, and thrive. 

The consultation will take place over the holiday period to ensure that we can meet the new March deadline, as set out in our updated Local Development Scheme (December 2024). This will ensure that the plan is examined against the December 2023 NPPF, under which it was developed.”   

Part of the process of preparing the Proposed Submission Local Plan included taking into consideration feedback received during last year’s Regulation 18 consultation (February/March 2023). Changes to the Draft Local Plan following the consultation included increased energy efficiency standards for new homes and the allocation of additional sites in the urban area. The Regulation 18 consultation feedback summary report, which explains how the council has taken the feedback received into account, can be read here: Consultation response statement. 

The public examination of the Local Plan by an independent Planning Inspector is estimated to take place in July.