About the Neighbourhood Plan?

The Neighbourhood Plan is an important document that will be used to determine planning applications within Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe (view map).  It will be formally examined and subject to a local referendum, which, if successful means that it will sit alongside the Tandridge Local Plan offering detail relevant to our area.

The Plan has been developed over many years by a Steering Group comprising volunteers from the four Parish and Village Councils (Caterham Hill, Caterham Valley, Chaldon and Whyteleafe).  We have worked hard to hear the views of local residents and businesses.

Importantly, the Neighbourhood Plan provides a tool for us to protect the special character and green spaces that we have. It will also enable us to receive 25% of developer contributions (Community Infrastructure Levy) coming from development in our area. This money can be put towards community projects.

We are about to publish the ‘Submission Version’ of the Neighbourhood Plan. This will be delivered to Tandridge District Council, who will consult on it for approximately six weeks. It is important that you have a look at the document and give your views, even if it is simply to offer your support.

Then, the Plan will be examined by an Independent Examiner. After that, there will be a local referendum, which will be open to everyone registered to vote in the Neighbourhood Plan area. If we achieve a majority of 51% or more, the Plan will be ‘made’ and will form part of the Local Plan, and will carry weight in determining planning policies.

How do I view the plan?

We will be uploading the Plan and supporting documents in the next week, so please do check back.

The documents that you will be able to view are:

• The Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan – this contains the policies
• The local views that we wish to protect
• The Local Green Spaces that we wish to protect
• The Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan Design Guidelines
• The Consultation Statement – setting out how we have encouraged local people to get involved

• The Basic Conditions Statement – showing how our Plan conforms to national and local planning policy
• The profile of the neighbourhood area
• The supporting evidence
• The Strategic Environmental Assessment – which sets out how we have ensured that the Plan does not impact negatively on the environment.
• Habitat Regulations Assessment Stage 1: Screening – which ensures that consideration is given to sites protected by European Directives as part of the development of planning policy.