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Local plan timetable (Local Development Scheme)

The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out a timetable for the production of a new or revised Local Plan or other development plan documents. 

On 21 February 2023, Waverley Borough Council agreed that the Local Plan requires updating and on 18 July 2023 it resolved that this should be a comprehensive update covering both strategic and non-strategic policies. The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out a timetable for the production of the new Waverley Local Plan.

The adopted Waverley Borough Local Plan (comprising Local Plans Part 1 and 2) will remain the key part of the statutory development plan until it is replaced.

Local Development Scheme (December 2023)

In July 2024, the Government announced an overhaul of the planning system that will see new mandatory housing targets for councils.

The Government’s proposed changes will have a significant impact on the development of our new Local Plan. While we welcome the collaborative approach the Government is taking with local councils, we have concerns about some of the key elements of the proposals, particularly regarding housing targets and infrastructure. Councillor Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council, has written to the Deputy Prime Minister to outline our response to the proposed reforms.

The council's responses to the questions raised in the Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system are provided below.

Letter to Deputy PM

Council's Response

Technical Note

Timetable for the new Local Plan

Stage Dates
Early engagement on the scope and content of the Plan and its overarching vision and objectives  Late 2023/Early 2024
Identification and assessment of spatial options Summer/Autumn 2024 
Consult on preferred options plan Summer 2025
Publish submission plan for consultation Spring 2026
Submit Plan for examination Autumn 2026
Adopt plan with main modifications Winter 2027

*This timescale may change if the proposed planning reforms are implemented.