Residents and stakeholders in Elmbridge are being invited to help shape the borough's future by participating in the first consultation for the new Elmbridge Local Plan 2039. The consultation period runs from Wednesday 4 November until Wednesday 9 December 2026.
The council is required by government to begin work on a new Local Plan by 31 December 2026. This initial scoping consultation aims to capture local needs, priorities, and residents' views, ensuring they are available to the East Surrey Council from April 2027.
Councillor Caroline James, Portfolio Holder for Planning Services, stated, "We know residents care deeply about the future of their communities. This consultation gives everyone an early opportunity to tell us what the new Local Plan should focus on, helping to make sure local views are considered from the very beginning."
The Local Plan will guide future growth and development in Elmbridge, including the location of new homes, jobs, infrastructure, and community facilities. An up-to-date plan provides clarity for residents, businesses, and developers.
This first stage of consultation is seeking views on the main opportunities and challenges for development, issues and priorities the plan should address, what matters most to those living, working, or studying in the borough, and how residents wish to be involved in the ongoing development of the plan.
Alongside the consultation, a 'Call for sites' is also open, allowing landowners and developers to propose potential sites for future development or other uses. Submitted sites will be assessed as part of the Local Plan process.
The council is required to commence the new Local Plan preparation by 31 December 2026 due to new government regulations. Although Elmbridge will join the new East Surrey unitary council in April 2027, Elmbridge Borough Council remains the local planning authority until then.
Evidence, technical studies, and consultation feedback gathered will be made available to the East Surrey Council to ensure Elmbridge's future needs and priorities are captured. The new Local Plan process, redesigned by the government, follows a streamlined timetable with statutory stages including evidence gathering, public consultation, and independent examination.
