Local Plan FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of a Local Plan?
  2. Why is Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) producing a new Local Plan?
  3. What are the stages of the Local Plan?
  4. What stage of the Local Plan process is EEBC?
  5. How can I be kept informed about progress on the Local Plan? 
  6. How will the Local Government Reorganisation affect the Local Plan?
  7. Is the Council required to commence work on the next version of the Local Plan?

1. What is the purpose of a Local Plan?

The Local Plan (2022-2040) is a critical document in shaping the future of the borough. When finalised the Local Plan will determine where new development should go and what areas  should be protected. This includes sites for new homes including affordable accommodation, supporting businesses, creating jobs, securing much needed infrastructure improvements, environmental protection and leisure development. 

All local planning authorities have to produce a Local Plan which sets a development strategy for the future of their area. Following adoption, the Local Plan will be used to decide planning applications that come forward in the borough. 

2. Why is Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) producing a new Local Plan?

We need an up-to-date Local Plan that meets the current challenges the borough faces and shapes future development. Every council is legally required to review their Local Plan at least every five years and given the age of our current Local Plan, EEBC need to produce a new one. 

Without an up-to-date Plan in place, the borough would be at increased risk of unplanned, speculative development due to its current shortfall in housing delivery. Adopting an up-to-date Local Plan will ensure future development is plan led, and that we are in a stronger position to defend ourselves from unsuitable speculative planning proposals.

3. What are the stages of Local Plan preparation?

 The table below sets out the key stages in the preparation of the Local Plan 2022-2040 and where we are now.

 

 

STAGE 1

Gather evidence and early consultation

(January 2022 – January 2023)

COMPLETE

STAGE 2

Six-week public consultation on a Draft Local Plan, known as “Regulation 18”

(February – March 2023)

COMPLETE

STAGE 3

Review consultation feedback and gather further evidence to develop the Local Plan

COMPLETE

STAGE 4

Six-week public consultation on a proposed submission Local Plan, known as “Regulation 19”

(December 2024 - February 2025)

COMPLETE

STAGE 5

Submission of Local Plan to the government for examination

(March 2025)

COMPLETE

STAGE 6

Public examination of the Local Plan by a planning inspector

Examination hearings have been held in 2025 and 2026, and the next step is for the Council to decide on whether to approve the Inspectors proposed main modifications for a statutory six-week consultation. This decision is anticipated to be made in late October 2026.

 

STAGE 7

Adoption of the Local Plan.
It will replace the existing Local Plan and will be used to assess planning applications

 

 

 

4. What stage is the Local Plan (2022-2040) currently at and what happens next?

We are at stage 6, although we are nearing the conclusion of this stage. Subject to Full Council approval,  consultation on the Inspectors proposed Main Modifications to the Submission Local Plan will be undertaken by the end of the year.

Following this consultation we would anticipate receiving the Inspectors report in February 2027 and that a decision to adopt the modified Local Plan will be made by Full Council in March 2027

Our examination page will be kept up to date throughout the Examination process.

5. How can I be kept informed about progress on the Local Plan (2022-2040)? 

Information about the Local Plan Examination is published on our Examination webpage: Local Plan Examination | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

6. How will the Local Government Reorganisation affect the Local Plan?

The Government has confirmed that Surrey will move to a two-unitary council model following its review of local government arrangements. Epsom and Ewell will become part of the East Surrey Unitary Authority on 1 April 2027. Further information on LGR in Surrey can be found here: Surrey Local Government Reorganisation Hub – Surrey LGR Hub

It is important to note that adopted local plans in boroughs and districts will continue to apply until the new East Surrey planning authority adopts a Local Plan for its administrative area, which we anticipate will take several years.  

7. Is the Council required to commence work on the next version of the Local Plan ?

A new plan-making system was introduced through Regulations published in March 2026. The Government expect the Council to commence work to produce a Local Plan to follow the current Local Plan (2022-2040) that remains under examination. 


On the 22 September 2026, this matter was considered by the Councils Licencing and Planning Policy Committee who approved a recommendation that Council officers request to meet with the Chief Executive and Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Growth of the Shadow East Surrey Unitary Authority to determine how to progress this requirement in the context of Local Government Reorganisation.