High Court approves neighbourhood plan process

The neighbourhood plans will help inform development decisions in the area

Referendums on two neighbourhood plans in Surrey can now go ahead after a High Court intervention.

Errors in plans previously published by Waverley Borough Council meant referendums due to take place on 29 February could not go ahead.

On Thursday, the Honourable Mrs Justice Lang DBE ordered that referendums on the Elstead and Weyburn neighbourhood plan and the Cranleigh neighbourhood plan can now proceed.

A council spokesperson said the delay had been "disappointing" for everyone who had worked on the plans.

According to the council, the errors related to housing sites and boundaries on maps in both plans.

Mrs Justice Lang made an initial order in February which prevented the council from proceeding with the referendum process.

The council said: "Following a short hearing in the High Court, Mrs Justice Lang ordered the council to take prompt steps to restart the referendum process."

Neighbourhood plans are intended to give communities a say on where new homes, shops and offices will be built, what they should look like and what infrastructure is needed.

Dawn Hudd, Waverley Borough Council’s strategic director for place, said: “We know that the delay has been disappointing for everyone who has worked hard to prepare these neighbourhood plans.

"However, the plans that residents vote on must reflect the recommendations of the independent examiner.

"The plans will now be corrected so that a new date for the referendums can be set as soon as possible.”

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.