Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) has updated its Local Development Scheme, which outlines the details and timetable for the borough’s Local Plan documents, following the Government’s publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 12 December.

The updated Local Development Scheme states that the Regulation 19 Consultation will commence in December and the Local Plan will be submitted to the Government for examination in March 2025. We can confirm that the dates of consultation are from 20 December 2024 to 23:59 on 5 February 2025. This will ensure that the Proposed Submission Local Plan can be inspected according to the previous NPPF (December 2023). The public examination of the Local Plan by an independent Planning Inspector is estimated to take place in July.

On Tuesday 10 December EEBC Councillors voted to approve the Epsom & Ewell Proposed Submission Local Plan (2022-2040) and that the Regulation 19 Consultation should take place at the earliest opportunity. An up-to-date Local Plan protects the borough from ad hoc and inappropriate development and ensures responsibility for future planning decisions remains with the borough and its communities. It provides a framework for where in the borough new development should go and where should be protected.

The Regulation 19 Consultation is the final opportunity for residents to feedback on the plan before it is submitted for independent examination. During the Regulation 19 Consultation, residents, visitors and local businesses can comment on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound. Guidance on how to respond to the Regulation 19 Consultation, will be published on the council’s website.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said “We know how important it is to submit our Local Plan by the deadline set out in the Government’s revised National Planning Policy Framework. We are determined to meet that deadline and will do everything within our power to achieve it.

To help us meet the deadline I strongly urge anyone who would like to submit comments during the Regulation 19 Consultation to please read and follow the guidance provided. This feedback will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate with the Proposed Submission Local Plan and the suite of evidence base documents.”

If you would like to be updated on the Epsom & Ewell Regulation 19 Consultation, and future consultations, please visit https://epsom-ewell.inconsult.uk/ and enter your details via the 'Register' tab. 

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Press Office Contact:

Communications@epsom-ewell.gov.uk

01372 732000

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council consulted on the Draft Local Plan in February and March 2023. The comments received on the Draft Local Plan, along with the local evidence base, informed the Proposed Submission Local Plan. The Regulation 18 consultation feedback summary report, which shows how the council has taken account of the feedback received, can be found here: Consultation response statement.

Information on the Epsom & Ewell Local Plan can be found here: Epsom and Ewell Local Plan | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council including an FAQ page: Local Plan FAQs | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.

Follow Epsom & Ewell Borough Council on Facebook and Instagram: @EpsomEwellBC.