Surrey councils create new shared planning role

Guildford's planning system will now work more closely with neighbouring Waverley's

Two Surrey councils have created a shared planning department, with one officer overseeing it on behalf of both districts.

Guildford and Waverley borough councils' planning will now be led by Claire Upton-Brown, who has already been working for both authorities since 2023.

It brings together the previously separate areas of planning development and planning policy.

The councils believe the move will allow them to respond better to the new Labour government's policy of prioritising house building.

Waverley Borough Council portfolio holder for planning, regeneration and economic development Liz Townsend said: "We want our borough to thrive and planning plays a critical part in that aim.

"It is more important than ever that we have a joined up approach to planning and work more closely together."

Fiona White, Guildford Borough Council's lead councillor for planning, said: "An effective planning department plays a crucial role in delivering a local authority's corporate objectives alongside wider policy goals.

"By bringing these functions together, we'll be able to ensure that we continue to deliver more sustainable boroughs."

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