Executive approves first steps towards Guildford's new Local Plan

Guildford Borough Council's Executive has approved a revised timetable for developing a new Guildford Local Plan, and issued a formal notice confirming that work will begin under the Government's new plan‑making system.

The new national system, which came into force on Wednesday 25 March, introduced legal changes to how all new Local Plans must be prepared. Although the Council has already completed substantial preparatory work, these decisions mark the first official steps required under the recent legislation.  

The revised timetable will give residents, businesses and other stakeholders a clear understanding of when each key stage is expected to take place. 

A new Local Plan will help shape how Guildford grows in the future. A plan‑led approach helps to: 

• meet local needs in a sustainable way 
• direct development to the most suitable locations 
• make sure new homes, jobs and infrastructure are planned together 
• give communities and developers more certainty about how the area will develop. 

The process begins with a 'getting ready' phase, which is expected to last until the end of October. This is then followed by the Government's expected 30 month period of detailed plan preparation and adoption.  

Cllr Fiona White, Lead Councillor for Planning, says:  

"The Executive's decision ensures we meet new legal requirements, support efficient decision making, and provide a clear and transparent framework for preparing the new plan. Taking these early steps will give us the foundations we need to plan a secure and sustainable future for our borough." 

A further report will be considered by the Executive ahead of the next steps, which include a scoping consultation planned for September and October. This consultation will ask stakeholders how they want to be involved and invite early views on what the new plan should cover. As now required by Government, the timetable will be reviewed regularly and updated if needed. 

Although responsibility for plan making will move to the new West Surrey Council on Thursday 1 April 2027, Guildford Borough Council will carry out the early stages. This approach follows Government guidance that Local Government Reorganisation should not delay Local Plan work. 

Once adopted, the new Local Plan will replace both parts of the current Local Plan. 

Find out more about the Local Plan

Watch a webcast of the Executive meeting on Thursday 28 May (opens new window)

Published on: 5 June 2026