Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) has launched a public consultation on proposed Main Modifications to the borough's Local Plan (2022-2040).

The consultation invites views on proposed changes to the plan, including additional site allocations identified through the examination process, which have been requested by the government-appointed Planning Inspector to make the plan sound. The six-week consultation begins today, 2 November 2026, and closes at 11.59pm on 14 December 2026.

EEBC submitted its Local Plan for independent examination on 10 March 2025. Hearings took place between August and October 2025, when most of the proposed changes (modifications) to policies within the Local Plan were discussed, and again in July 2026. The schedule of proposed modifications ranges from minor changes to policy wording to the inclusion of additional site allocations in the urban area and on land proposed to be removed from the Green Belt. There are also some proposed changes to the policy relating to the racecourse and racehorse training industry.  

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

“I’m pleased to be able to ask residents and stakeholders for their views on the schedule of Main Modifications to the borough’s Local Plan. These modifications have been identified by the government appointed Planning Inspector as necessary to ensure the Plan is sound, which is essential for it to be adopted.

As we move towards local government reorganisation, I cannot emphasise enough how important it is for our borough to have an up-to-date adopted Local Plan.

It would help protect the character, heritage and green spaces that residents in Epsom and Ewell value, ensuring that new development is planned strategically and helping to guard against speculative development.

It would support the delivery of new homes, including affordable homes. With more than 1,450 households on the borough’s housing waiting list and over 260 Epsom and Ewell households living in temporary accommodation, this remains a priority.

It would support high-quality development and help drive economic growth. The Plan includes policies to secure high-quality design, deliver high environmental standards and guide development across the borough's towns and local centres, supporting employment opportunities and business growth.

Anyone with an interest in the future of our borough should take part in the consultation."

Consultation documents, along with instructions on how to comment, can be found on the council's planning policy consultation platform [Local Plan Main Modifications Consultation - Epsom & Ewell Planning Policy Consultations. Printed reference copies are available in local libraries and Epsom Town Hall during opening hours.

All comments received during the consultation will be submitted to the Planning Inspector.

The Inspector's final examination report will include a schedule of any changes required for the Local Plan to be adopted, concluding the examination process. Councillors will then be invited to make a final decision at a future meeting of Full Council on whether to adopt the Epsom & Ewell Local Plan (2022-2040), as modified by the Planning Inspector.  

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