Introduction
Parish Councils have a statutory right to be consulted on planning applications within their area. Chobham Parish Council is notified by Surrey Heath Borough Council, the local planning authority, of new applications and is normally given 21 days in which to submit its comments.
When considering planning applications, the Parish Council seeks to reflect the views of local residents, provide a local perspective and identify planning issues relevant to the proposal. Representations are based on material planning considerations and, where appropriate, the Council may recommend planning conditions.
Material planning considerations include national and local planning policies, neighbourhood plans, previous appeal decisions, case law and other matters that are relevant to the determination of a planning application. The principal planning policy documents affecting development in Chobham are outlined below.
Chobham Neighbourhood Plan
Neighbourhood Plans allow local communities to help shape the future development of their area by setting planning policies that reflect local priorities. Once adopted, they form part of the statutory Development Plan and are used alongside Local Plans when determining planning applications.
The Chobham Neighbourhood Plan was adopted in June 2026 following a successful local referendum. Its policies cover a range of topics including housing, design, heritage, the natural environment, community facilities, transport and the protection of important local green spaces.
Surrey Heath Local Plan
The Surrey Heath Local Plan sets out the strategic planning policies for the Borough and provides the framework against which planning applications are assessed. It covers a wide range of planning matters including housing, employment, the environment, infrastructure, design and the Green Belt.
Surrey Heath Borough Council is currently finalising a new Local Plan to replace the existing adopted plan. The emerging plan has been examined by an independent Planning Inspector, and the Council is progressing the adoption process. Once adopted, it will become the primary local planning policy document for the Borough.
National Planning Policy Framework
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and provides the overarching framework for the planning system. It guides the preparation of Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans and is a key consideration in the determination of planning applications.
The NPPF is updated periodically to reflect changes in Government planning policy. Planning applications must therefore be considered against the most up-to-date national policy alongside the relevant local and neighbourhood planning policies.
Permitted Development
Certain types of development can be carried out without planning permission under what are known as permitted development rights. These rights vary depending on the type of property and may be restricted or removed in some circumstances, including for listed buildings, properties within conservation areas, or where specific planning conditions or directions apply.
Most permitted development rights are subject to detailed limits and conditions, and some proposals require prior approval from the local planning authority before work can proceed. Even where planning permission is not needed, other consents, such as listed building consent, advertisement consent or compliance with the Building Regulations, may still be required.
Permitted development rights can also apply to certain changes of use, as well as physical building works. If you are unsure whether planning permission is required, you can apply to the local planning authority for a Certificate of Lawful Development, which provides formal confirmation that a proposal is lawful under the current legislation.