Planning application update: 2025/1386: Land north and east of Raleigh House, Raleigh Drive, Claygate, Esher
On 22 September 2025, the Council published an update regarding the above planning application. The update explained that on 17 September, Government had made changes to Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) on Flood Risk and Coastal Change. As a result, the Council needed to review whether the original Planning Committee resolution of 16 September (to refuse the application on flood risk and Sequential Test grounds) remained appropriate.
After reviewing the changes to the PPG and obtaining specialist legal advice, it has been determined that a material change in circumstances has occurred, requiring the Planning Committee to reconsider its previous resolution.
The application will therefore be on the Planning Committee agenda for Tuesday, 14 October 2025. The agenda for this meeting will be published today, Monday 6 October 2025, with an updated Committee Report made available.
The updated Committee Report sets out in further detail the changes made to PPG and the implications for this application. It also sets out the scope for which the Planning Committee is able to re-examine the application and the planning balance, which is exclusively on the basis of:
- Grey Belt status – specifically the flood risk component in terms of whether it would amount to a strong reason for refusal.
- Flood risk – both in its own right and as part of the Grey Belt test.
- The amended PPG advice on flood risk, including its advice on Housing Land Supply considerations.
- The overall planning balance in light of the above issues.
The Council is accepting further comments on these four points. The application can be reviewed on the Council’s website and comments submitted online. Comments can also be emailed to Planning Services via tplan@elmbridge.gov.uk. If assistance is required accessing the application, or submitting comments, please call 01372 474474. For guidance on making a comment visit elmbridge.gov.uk/comment.
Public speaking on this item will be permitted. Those who addressed the Planning Committee on the 16 September, will be invited to re-address the Committee focusing on the points above.
The officer recommendation remains that the application should granted permission subject to receipt of a S106 agreement.
The Parish Council is composed of ten elected members of the local community who serve a 4-year fixed term of office. The next elections will be held in May 2027.
All members belong to at least one of the defined committees. There are two committees, Planning and Highways, Transportation & Environment.
The aim of the Parish Council is to improve the quality of life for all those who live and work in Claygate, whilst preserving its unique character as a warm, caring and sustainable village community.
Claygate Parish Council was first formed in 2000 and elections were held in May of that year. Brian Rhodes, the founding Chairman, was the initial driving force that brought the council into being, together with other members of the then 'Claygate Village Residents Association'
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One of the most important areas of the Council's work relates to planning and the Planning Committee meets every 4 weeks. Although it has no power to either grant or refuse planning permission, as these powers reside with Elmbridge Borough Council, it has the right to be consulted on all planning applications in the Village and to have its comments taken into account.
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