Application for Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Forum

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council received an application proposing the designation of the Stoneleigh and Auriol Neighbourhood Forum.

In accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), the application includes the name of the proposed Forum; a copy of its written constitution; the name and map of the Neighbourhood Area to which the application relates; contact details for the Forum; and a statement setting out how the proposed Forum meets the conditions set out in section 61F(5) of the Town And Country Planning Act 1990.

Before the Council considers the application, it is required to publish the application to allow people who live, work or carry out a business in the proposed Neighbourhood Area with an opportunity to comment on the proposal.

It should be noted that the application only relates to the designation of the Neighbourhood Forum (and not a Neighbourhood Area). As such, comments will only be invited on the designation of the Forum.  Comments will be taken into account before the Borough Council makes a decision on the application.

Neighbourhood Planning

Neighbourhood planning was introduced by the Localism Act (2011). It is a way for communities to decide the future of the places where they live and work through the preparation of Neighbourhood Plans, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders. Only qualifying 'bodies' (Parish Councils or Neighbourhood Forums) can prepare Neighbourhood Plan and Orders. There are no Parishes within Epsom and Ewell, therefore communities that wish to prepare these documents are required to make an application to the Local Planning Authority to establish themselves as a Neighbourhood Forum and define the Neighbourhood Area they will cover.

There is currently no designated Neighbourhood Forums or Neighbourhood Areas within the Borough. Under these circumstances, an application needs to be made to the Council to decide whether to designate a Neighbourhood Forum and an application needs to be made on the Neighbourhood Area where the Neighbourhood Forum will cover.

The regulatory process for Neighbourhood Planning is set out in The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012.

Decision Notice.

The application was determined under emergency powers on 22 May 2020. The Decision Notice can be viewed below