Waverley Borough Council Leader, Cllr Paul Follows, has written to the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner MP, in response to recent planning reform proposals. Cllr Follows welcomed the collaborative approach the Government is taking with local councils but raised concerns about some of the key elements of the proposals, particularly regarding housing targets and infrastructure.
In his letter, Cllr Follows highlighted Waverley’s ongoing efforts to update its Local Plan as part of the council’s commitment to ensuring that local planning is robust and forward-looking. However, he emphasized that the council urgently requires clarity on the new plan-making system if it is to meet the Government’s deadlines.
Cllr Follows agreed that working with neighbouring planning authorities on cross-boundary strategic planning is necessary for making sustainable growth decisions supported by essential infrastructure. However, he stressed that governance arrangements and the complex geography of such planning efforts need careful consideration.
One of the most pressing concerns raised by Cllr Follows is the affordable housing crisis in Waverley, where high house prices are putting pressure on residents and local businesses. The council supports the Government's ambition to deliver the largest boost in affordable and social housing in a generation but calls for more information on how this is to be delivered.
The Government's proposed standard method for calculating housing needs has been identified as a major stumbling block. Applying the method in Waverley would result in a 203% affordability uplift, requiring 1,379 new homes annually — a figure that Cllr Follows called “unrealistic” and “unachievable.” This figure is 94% higher than the current target and would require unprecedented population growth of 50% over 20 years.
Cllr Follows remarked:
"The proposed standard method is fundamentally detached from the realities of local constraints, including national designations such as the Surrey Hills National Landscape. It risks undermining both the environment and community cohesion, and we urgently need a more credible, locally tailored approach."
Further concerns were raised over the role of developers in housing delivery. While planning authorities like Waverley grant permissions, Cllr Follows pointed out that councils have no control over the rate of housing completions. To address this, he urged the Government to introduce measures to ensure accountability for both developers and councils.
Cllr Follows also highlighted significant deficits in essential infrastructure such as power, water, roads, and healthcare, noting that existing residents experience frequent service disruptions. The Council will not be able to support substantial new development without a clear national plan to address these infrastructure challenges.
Cllr Liz Townsend, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development added:
“We recognise that affordability is a significant issue across the borough, and we are ready and willing to step up and help meet this challenge - we have been for some time. But we need the Government to review its formula to calculate housing targets. This blanket approach provides no flexibility, and doesn’t allow time for the construction industry or the council to build up the necessary resources to deliver sustainable, high-quality growth, along with the critical infrastructure to support the current and future needs of our communities.”
The letter that was submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister is available to view online at www.waverley.gov.uk/LocalPlanTimetable