New planning rules are undemocratic, Surrey councillors say

New planning rules undemocratic, councillors say Image caption, Certain large scale developments on sites in Surrey could still be referred to planning committees By Jack Fiehn Surrey political reporter Published 8 hours ago Councillors in Surrey have criticised new rules for determining planning applications as "a sad day for democracy" and "contrary to the principles of local self-government". As part of national changes , external which came into force on Saturday, it will be up to planning officers to decide most applications, except in particular circumstances.

It means that elected councillors, sitting on planning committees, will make decisions on fewer occasions. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner says the government is "giving councils the people, tools and reforms they need to get applications moving faster". What are the changes? Developments of up to nine homes, extensions and building works in individual properties, and biodiversity net gain requirements, where builders must compensate for the loss of nature on housing schemes, are among the types of applications which will go to planning officers for approval.

Applications where there are significant economic, social or environmental issues - including certain large scale developments, the change of use of community shops or alterations to notable listed buildings - could still be referred to planning committees. Local plans and housing developments are often contentious in Surrey, with many residents being opposed to hundreds of new homes being built. Image caption, There is often opposition to new housing developments across Surrey.

In a letter to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, Bridget Kendrick, the Liberal Democrat leader of Mole Valley District Council, says they "regard these changes as undemocratic in their effect, contrary to the principles of local self-government, and an unjustified intrusion into matters that should properly be determined locally". "Mole Valley District Council will comply with the law, as it must," she said. "However, compliance should not be mistaken for consent.

It is important that the government understands the strength of feeling that exists across this council." Kendrick says the council is urging the government to reconsider its approach. 'Major impact' Claire Blackwell, chair of the planning committee at Tandridge District Council, says the changes are "being imposed on councils by the government", councillors are "unanimous in their condemnation", and it is "a sad day for democracy and taking democracy further away from the people".

"The new rules will have a major impact on residents who will no longer be able to put their case in person or expect their elected representative to bring a planning application before the committee for a decision by elected councillors," she said. A spokesperson for Spelthorne Borough Council says they "recognise that some residents may have concerns about fewer applications being considered by planning committees, but they can be assured that their views will continue to play an important part in the planning process".

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: "Families wanting more space, and businesses looking to grow, shouldn't be left waiting unnecessarily for straightforward planning decisions. "We're giving councils the people, tools and reforms they need to get applications moving faster, while freeing up planners and councillors to focus on the developments that will deliver the homes and infrastructure communities need," she said. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook , external , on X , external , and on Instagram , external and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds .

Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk , external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Related topics Planning permission Mole Valley District Council Tandridge District Council Spelthorne Borough Council Housing More on this story Why are councils rebelling over planning rules? Published 12 October 'Our village's green fields have become grey belt' Published 9 October Salfords could double with 1000 new homes Tongham says 'Enough' Normandy in 'uproar' over 950 homes on farmland Related links Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government Spelthorne Borough Council Tandridge District Council