Following a public examination, an independent, Government appointed, inspector has approved Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Development Management Policies.
These policies will form a core part of the Local Plan which sets out the planning strategy for the Borough.
The Council needs to ensure that the Borough maintains the optimum mix of homes, work spaces, shops and open space to meet the needs of current and future residents and businesses. The Council also needs to ensure new buildings and developments respect the heritage of the area and that statutory requirements from central Government are met – this is known as the ‘Local Plan’.
The Development Management Policies began preparation in 2012. The policies have been through a series of informal and formal consultation stages during preparation, during which comprehensive stakeholder and community involvement has taken place.
The Policies were submitted to the Secretary of State for examination last year and the Planning Inspectorate appointed Jacqueline Wilkinson, Reg. Architect, IHBC, to conduct an examination on the Policies on behalf of the Secretary of State.
The Inspector started the assessment in February this year, measuring the policies against the formal tests of soundness that are set out in national planning policy and considered representations made by individuals and organisations.
The Council has now had formal notification from the Secretary of State that the policies meet the required criteria and can proceed to formally adopt the new policies.
Information received from Epsom & Ewell Borough Council
