RBBC: Last chance to comment on Development Management Plan before its submission to Government

The next stage of consultation on Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s Local Plan, the Development Management Plan is now underway. The six week consultation will run until Friday 23 February 2018.

It provides an opportunity for residents and businesses to comment on the content of the plan and how it has been prepared.

Comments received will be submitted to the Secretary of State, alongside the Council’s plan, to be considered by an independent planning inspector. The Inspector will assess whether the plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements and the Duty to Cooperate with neighbouring authorities, and whether it is ‘sound’.

The Development Management Plan (DMP) sets out where in the borough new development, including homes, businesses, shops and facilities, should go from now until 2027 and the detailed planning policies to guide what that development looks like. It also includes how we should protect the borough’s heritage assets and addresses a wide range of important local planning issues.

Cllr Keith Foreman, Executive Member for Planning Policy, said: “We have to ensure new homes, businesses and facilities are in the right locations to meet the needs of the borough’s growing population, while protecting the character of the borough and what people love about living here.

“The Government requires us to have a plan about where future development should go. Being plan-led puts us in the best position to manage the development pressures we face by controlling when and where it happens and what it looks like, rather than being imposed by Government. That way we can make sure it is appropriate, sustainable and secures the infrastructure needed.

“The DMP is based on a huge amount of evidence and research, takes account of the views of residents, businesses and service providers submitted through last year’s consultation and is aligned with national planning policy.

“This final stage of consultation aims to ensure the plan is fully scrutinised and fit for purpose. I would you to take a look at it and tell us your views. This is also your opportunity to ask to appear at the public hearings on the plan later in the year.

“Although the Council manages this consultation stage we pass any representations straight on to the Inspector allocated to conduct the Inquiry into the plan. Now only they have the power to make changes to the document.”

PLEASE NOTE:  ANY PREVIOUS COMMENTS PRESENTED TO RBBC (ON REGULATION 18) MAY BE RE-SUBMITTED WITH THIS RESPONSE FOR REGULATION 19 AS THE CONTENT OF THE PLAN AND SOME ASSESSMENT SITES HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED INTO BOTH STAGES OF THE CONSULTATION. 

How to comment

The document is available to view on the Council’s website at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/dmp, along with the plan evidence and information about how to take part.

Responses can be submitted online at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/dmp. Alternatively, download a response form and complete and return it by email to ldf@reigate-banstead.gov.uk or by post to the Policy team at the Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate RH2 0SH.

For those without access to the internet, hard copies of the plan and comments forms will be available at the Town Hall and at local at libraries or by calling 01737 276178.

An examination into the plan will be held later in 2018, chaired by an independent Planning Inspector, which will include public hearings. The Inspector will then make recommendations to the Council on how to proceed to plan adoption.