Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has opened its Local Plan scoping consultation, giving developers and landowners an important opportunity to put suitable sites forward.

The Local Plan will guide how the borough grows and changes up to 2044, identifying where homes, jobs, infrastructure, and environmental improvements should be delivered across the region.

The context

The new Local Plan is being prepared in the context of increased housing need, potential Green Belt changes, climate and infrastructure pressures and local government reorganisation.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is scheduled to become part of a new East Surrey Unitary Authority in April 2027. The current administration is seeking to make as much progress as possible before the transition, with responsibility for taking the plan through later consultation stages, examination and adoption expected to pass to the East Surrey Unitary Authority in due course.

In terms of housing provision, Reigate & Banstead are expected to accommodate substantially more new homes than outlined in previous plans. These additional homes will likely require more than just previously developed land, meaning difficult decisions will need to be made about where future development should take place.

The Council has acknowledged that meeting future housing requirements may require consideration of Green Belt boundary alterations as part of the plan-making process.  

Finally, any future growth will need to be supported by appropriate investment in transport networks, schools, healthcare facilities, utilities and other community services. The Council has identified infrastructure pressures as one of the key considerations in preparing the new plan, recognising that development must be coordinated with the facilities and services needed to support existing and future residents.

The process

This scoping consultation is the first stage of preparing the new Local Plan. The aim is to involve the local community and stakeholders including residents, businesses, local service providers, and community organisations at an early stage.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is initially seeking views on the main issues facing the borough, what the plan should contain and how it should engage with local people.

The scoping consultation closes at 5pm on Monday 26th October 2026. After this, the Council will review all responses and use feedback to shape the next stage of the plan-making process.

The key dates are:

  • Monday 26th October 2026 (5pm): The scoping consultation and call for sites close.
  • December 2026: Gateway 1. Gateways are formal review points built into the Government's new plan-making system. The Council submits drafts to the Government for a check before progressing further with the plan.
  • April 2027: Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is scheduled to become part of the new East Surrey Unitary Authority Council as part of local government reorganisation.
  • June to July 2027: Consultation on the draft vision, aims, objectives and spatial strategy for the new Local Plan.
  • December 2027 to January 2028: Gateway 2.
  • March to May 2028: Consultation on proposed planning policies, site allocations, designations, the policy map and environmental assessment.
  • October 2028: Gateway 3.
  • December 2028: The Local Plan is expected to be submitted for independent examination.
  • January to May 2029: Examination of the Local Plan.
  • June 2029: Anticipated adoption of the Reigate & Banstead Local Plan 2044.

Call for sites

Whilst the scoping consultation is not seeking views on specific sites, landowners and developers are asked to submit sites for consideration. To be considered for the Council's Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA), sites must be large enough for at least five homes.

For employment or commercial use, sites must be at least 0.25 hectares in size or capable of providing 500 square metres of floorspace. To be included on the Council's Brownfield Land Register, sites must be a minimum of 0.25 hectares or have the potential to deliver five homes or more.

“There are significant changes on the horizon for Reigate & Banstead, both in terms of the local government reorganisation and the creation of a new Local Plan.

“As with many areas of the country, there is increasing pressure to meet the demand for new homes and business space, along with all of the vital infrastructure to support development.

“It's important for communities to have their say at this early stage, helping to ensure future development proposals meet the needs and expectations of the local population.

“It’s also a crucial stage for landowners and developers to propose sites. Land included in the Local Plan has a clear route to development, whereas sites left out may face a much trickier time obtaining planning permission.”

Andrew Metcalfe, Managing Director

Get in touch

If you have a site suitable for development and you would like it considered within your Local Plan, the team at Squires Planning can help with your submission.

Get in touch today for a no-obligation chat.