Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has been instructed to search for more sites that could be used for housing.

The area’s Local Plan, which details housing needs up to 2040, is due to be legally adopted.

But a government appointed Planning Inspector says additional land for housing still needs to be found.

The Local Plan as it is, provides less than 50% of the identified housing need within the borough.

A public consultation closes on the 15th of June.

Councillor Peter O’Donovan, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said:

“The borough’s Submission Local Plan has been informed by an evidence base following consultation with residents and local stakeholders. Following a decision of full Council, it was submitted to the Planning Inspector for Independent Examination in March 2025.

The submitted Local Plan provides less than 50% of the identified housing need within the borough which we considered to strike the balance of meeting development needs whilst protecting the borough’s green spaces, heritage and character. However, the council has been instructed to undertake additional work to progress the plan through the examination stage towards adoption: this is what we are asking residents and stakeholders to comment on.

It is vital that the borough has an up-to-date Local Plan to ensure that local people have a greater say on how our communities are developed in the future, and that we are in a stronger position to defend against unsuitable speculative planning proposals.

I hope that residents will take the time to review the documents and share their views.”