The new Mole Valley Local Plan was adopted on 15 October 2024. It sets out a 15-year strategic vision, objectives and the spatial strategy as well as the planning policies and site allocations that will guide future development of the borough. The Plan looks ahead to 2039 and identifies where the main developments will take place, and how places within the district will change, or be protected from change, over that period. The main role of the Plan is to guide decision-making on individual planning applications.
The Local Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State on 14 February 2022 and examined by independent Inspectors. Examination in Public hearings took place during June, September and October 2022. The Inspectors’ final report on the Examination into the Mole Valley Local Plan was issued to the Council on 18 September 2024. The Inspectors’ Report concludes that, subject to the Main Modifications set out in the Appendix to the Report, the Mole Valley Local Plan 2023-2039 satisfies the requirements of Section 20(5) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and meets the criteria for soundness as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. The Plan is therefore capable of adoption.
The Mole Valley Local Plan 2020-2039 incorporates all of the Main Modifications and Policy Map changes that the Inspector considered necessary to make the Plan sound. These were subject to public consultation between 1 March 2024 to 23 April 2024. A number of Additional Modifications were also included as necessary technical, factual, grammatical and typographical corrections that do not materially affect the policies in the Plan. Schedules setting out the Main Modifications and Additional Modifications are available at: Main Modifications & Council Note 35 Consultation – Future Mole Valley.
Councillor Margaret Cooksey, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “I am delighted to confirm that, after years of hard work and dedication to get to this point, Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) now has a Local Plan in place until 2039 that will guide future development in Mole Valley. The recommendation to adopt the Plan received support from a clear majority of councillors (82%) in the council chamber on Tuesday 15 October 2024. The adopted Plan is available to view on our website.
“The adoption of Mole Valley’s Local Plan marks the conclusion of an exhaustive process that has seen thousands of representations received from those who live and work in the district over three wide-scale public consultation exercises held over the past five years, in addition to a comprehensive Examination exercise undertaken by a government-appointed Planning Inspector.
“Without a Local Plan we would have faced development being imposed on us, with no control over where or how much. The potential impact on everyone who lives, works, and visits our district was always at the forefront of our minds. Our officers’ relentless efforts to develop a Plan that balances local housing needs with the rural character of our district have been vital. Despite delays caused by changes in government planning policy in recent years, we are now bringing this important chapter to a close.
“While building homes - including affordable housing - and protecting precious green belt are often matters that rightly come to the fore, it is important to stress that our Local Plan delivers so much more. The Plan will shape Mole Valley’s infrastructure in so many vital ways, including the following: biodiversity net gain, designating locally listed buildings, zero carbon homes and electric vehicle charging points, minimum rather than maximum parking standards, education and primary care need, open space, children’s play areas, early years facilities, transport and flood mitigation improvements.
“Mole Valley’s Local Plan will provide a comprehensive framework that ensures our district grows sustainably while enhancing the quality of life for current and future generations."