Waverley optimistic for LPP2 adoption in early 2023

Following an initial response from the Government planning Inspector, Waverley Borough Council’s Executive believe that they will be able to progress the borough’s Local Plan Part 2 (LPP2) to adoption early next year.

The borough’s LPP2 is currently undergoing examination by an Inspector and following hearing sessions in July and September, the council has received a note from the Programme Officer, stating that the Inspector is not requiring any further main modifications, over and above those identified at the hearing sessions. 

Main modifications are changes that the Inspector considers necessary to make the plan sound and legally compliant.

Council officers are now working with the Inspector, to address matters identified during the examination. The main modifications agreed with the Inspector will be reported to the Executive on 29 November and will then be subject to public consultation.

Councillor Liz Townsend, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development, said: “We have yet to receive the Inspector’s final report, so we don’t have a great deal of detail, but at this stage we are extremely encouraged that he considers only limited main modifications are required. In addition, the Inspector is not requiring us to consider allocating any more housing sites.

“It’s a testament to all of the hard work put in by the Planning Policy team. We are quietly confident that we will now be able to progress LPP2 to adoption early in 2023.

“This will be critical to ensure we can support our communities with the housing and economic growth they need to thrive, and in helping to achieve a five-year housing land supply to protect the borough against inappropriate and unsustainable development.”