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.