Issue - meetings

The Localism Act 2011 introduced the right for communities to draw up neighbourhood development plans. Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Forum, with support and advice from Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) has produced a neighbourhood plan.

The Stoneleigh and Auriol neighbourhood plan has been subject to community and stakeholder engagement and was formally submitted to EEBC for consultation under Regulation 15 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 on 18 May 2025, the Regulation 16 submission consultation commenced on 20 June 2025 and closed on 1 August 2025. Eight representations were received, and these were forwarded to the appointed Independent Examiner – Chistopher Lockhart-Mummery KC.

The Independent Examination commenced in 4 September 2025, and the Examiner issued his report on the 23 October 2025 (Appendix 1) which recommends that the Stoneleigh and Auriol NDP, subject to proposed modifications, proceeds to Referendum.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Accept and agree with the Examiner’sproposed modificationsto theStoneleigh and AuriolNDP ascontained atAppendix 1to thisreport andproceed to Referendum to be held on 12 February 2026;

(2)      Authorise publicationof theDecision Statement(Appendix 2to this report).

Note: In the opinion of the Chief Executive and in accordance with the Paragraph 14.2 of Annex 4.6 of the Operating Framework (Overview, Audit and Scrutiny) the decision on this item is considered to be urgent and is not subject to call-in.

The Independent Examination commenced on 4 September 2025, and the Examiner issued his report on the 23 October 2025 (Appendix 1) which recommends that the Stoneleigh and Auriol NDP, subject to proposed modifications, proceeds to Referendum.

The following matters were considered:

Councillor Tony Froud gave a verbal statement to the Committee.

a)            Wards affected. The Vice Chair asked why the front of the report listed Cuddington Ward as an affected ward when it is called the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Plan. The Democratic Services Officer clarified that when the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Area was designated 5 years ago, the boundaries of Stoneleigh and Auriol wards were slightly different to the current ward boundaries, therefore some properties which are now in Cuddington Ward will also be able to vote in the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Plan Referendum as they are within the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Area.

b)            Thanks. The Chair expressed their thanks and congratulations to the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Forum. The Chair commended their hard work and continued improvements.

c)            Great example. A Member of the Committee raised that this process has been a great example of what residents can do when they want to put together really clear guidance around planning. The Member commended the time, effort, and hard work put in to producing a clear piece of planning guidance that will aid in protecting and ensuring quality development in the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood area. The Member wished the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Forum good luck going forwards and praised the constructive approach taken by the forum members and local residents. 

d)            AECOM. A Member of the Committee asked if the AECOM mentioned in the report, is the major global consultancy company. The Member asked for this clarification as they wanted to ensure the name was being used correctly and there weren’t any legal issues. The Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development confirmed that the AECOM referenced is the large multidisciplinary consultancy firm that produced the design code.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)      To accept and agree with the Examiner’sproposed modificationsto theStoneleigh and AuriolNDP ascontained atAppendix 1to thisreport andproceed to Referendum to be held on 12 February 2026;

(2)      To authorisepublication ofthe DecisionStatement (Appendix2 tothis report).