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3. Planning Policy Context

3.1Guildford Borough Council is the local planning authority for the area

National Planning Policy

3.2The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2012 published by the Government is an important guide in the preparation of local plans and neighbourhood plans. The following paragraphs of the latest NPPF version published in December 2024 are considered especially relevant:

  • Neighbourhood Planning

  • Promoting healthy safe communities

  • Open space and recreation

  • Well-designed places

  • Planning for Climate Change

  • Conserving and enhancing the natural environment

  • Habitats and Biodiversity

  • Conserving and enhancing the historic environment

  • Sustainable development

  • Sustainable transport

  • Communications

  • Protecting Green Belt land

  • Delivering a sufficient supply of homes

3.3The supporting text to each policy highlights where one or more of these paragraphs has been used to inform the policy. The separate Basic Conditions Statement published alongside the submission version of the Plan will also explain in detail how each policy has taken them into account.

Strategic Planning Policy

3.4The Neighbourhood Plan must be in ‘general conformity’ with the strategic policies of the development plan which primarily comprises the Guildford Borough Local Plan: Strategy and Sites 2015 – 2034 and the Waste and Minerals Plans of Surrey County Council and saved Policy NRM6 of the South-East Plan.

The Guildford Borough Local Plan: Strategy and Sites 2015 – 2034 (GBLPSS)

3.5The Guildford Borough Local Plan: Strategy and Sites 2015 – 2034 was adopted on 25 April 2019 and seeks to address development needs and provide the framework for infrastructure, development and employment in the borough.

The Guildford Borough Local Plan: Development management poLicies 2023 – 2034 (GBLPdmp)

3.6The Guildford Borough Local Plan Development Management Policies 2023 sets out guidance for housing, the economy, protecting the environment, design and infrastructure. The Albury Parish Neighbourhood Plan once adopted will form part of this statutory development plan.

3.7The Surrey Hills Management Plan is of material consideration, and its mission statement is reflected throughout the policies in this Neighbourhood Plan. Its vision statement states:

“The purpose of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation (now referred to as National Landscapes) is to conserve the natural beauty of the landscape. The vision for the Surrey Hills recognises that the landscape will change but it needs to ensure that it changes in a way that conserves and enhances its special qualities. In doing so, it also needs to maintain the social and economic viability of the Surrey Hills in a sustainable manner.

“The Surrey Hills National Landscape is recognised as a national asset in which its natural and cultural resources are managed in an attractive landscape mosaic of farmland, woodland, heaths, downs and commons. It provides opportunities for business enterprise and for all to enjoy and appreciate its natural beauty for their health and wellbeing.”