Tandridge Core Strategy Approved - September 5th
We are delighted to say that Tandridge Council has been told by the Planning Inspectorate that its Core Strategy has been declared 'sound'. That means the Green Belt should be protected because the Core Strategy will form the basis for all future planning decisions and it says that there's no need to build on the Green Belt in Oxted & Limpsfield or anywhere else in Tandridge.
Residents have always believed that the Council has done a great job in preparing its development plan.
The plan expertly balances the need to protect the Green Belt and quality of life of residents with fulfilling the need for new housing supported by sufficient infrastructure.
As well as protecting the Green Belt, the Inspector's decision means that the huge waste of public money and time which would have resulted if the Core Strategy had been rejected, has been avoided.
We don't yet know any more details about the Inspector's report because it is currently embargoed pending a fact check. It will be a while before it is cleared for publication. Until the full details are known we can't be certain that there won't be any surprises but the main goal - approval of the Core Strategy - has been achieved.
Tandridge Council has issued the following news release:
CORE STRATEGY IS SOUND
Tandridge District Council is delighted with the news the Planning Inspector has declared its Core Strategy to be sound. This is only the second Core Strategy to be accepted in Surrey.
The Core Strategy, a blueprint for the future development of Tandridge District, was the subject of a public Examination by the Inspector in June and July 2008. The event caused a lot of public interest, including large crowds outside the Council Offices in Oxted.
Some developers and landowners objected to the Core Strategy because they felt it did not allow enough new development. The Council's approach, based on restraint, has been supported by the Planning Inspector and he has declared the document is sound.
The Inspector's report is currently being factually checked before it can be made available. Once published, it can be adopted and used to help decide planning applications.
Councillor Gordon Keymer, Leader of the Council, said: 'This is wonderful news. To have a sound Core Strategy to guide planning decisions is a major achievement and a great bonus for the local community. The Inspector's decision is a vital contribution to the Council's policy of protecting the Green Belt. I would especially like to thank the council officers and councillors who prepared and defended the Core Strategy, as well as the local residents who supported them. This is a great example of the Council and community working together.'
The next stage is for the District Council to consider the Inspector's Report in detail when it is published in the next few weeks and then to adopt the Core Strategy.
ENDS