Local Plan – Pre-Publication Consultation

Overview

We are now consulting on the first draft of the Local Plan, which sets out a 15-year strategic vision, objectives and the spatial strategy as well as the planning policies and site allocations that will guide future development of the borough. The Plan looks ahead to 2033 and identifies where the main developments will take place, and how places within the borough will change, or be protected from change, over that period.

The views of the community are at the heart of the draft Plan and feedback from village planning processes, as well as from consultation earlier this year on the scope and review of the existing policies, have shaped the new draft Local Plan.

This consultation is open to everyone. We would like to hear your thoughts and views on the draft Local Plan, and we are particularly keen to hear from our local communities, businesses as well as land owners and other key organisations in the borough.

The draft Local Plan sets out planning policies for the following areas:

• Local character and design
• Green infrastructure
• Climate change
• Town Centres
• Community facilities
• Housing
• Employment and visitor economy
• Transport

In addition, the draft Local Plan has identified key sites that are considered to assist with the delivery of the vision and strategy of the Plan. This is of particular importance for ensuring there is sufficient land for employment, retail, housing and social infrastructure.

The main role of the Local Plan is, once it is finalised, to guide decision making on individual planning applications. 

The consultation documents and other background information are made available on the Local Plan website. To view the draft Local Plan and take part in the consultation, visit www.richmond.gov.uk/pre-publication or click on the link below.

Following this consultation, we will consider and take account of all responses received. There will be a further opportunity to view and comment on the final draft of the Local Plan later this year, before it will be submitted in 2017 to the Secretary of State for examination in public by an independent planning inspector.