Local Success Stories: A Local Plan That Delivers More Than Housing

Mole Valley, encompassing Dorking, Leatherhead, Ashtead, and numerous charming rural villages, is a uniquely green and rural district. With approximately 80% of the area designated as Green Belt or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), creating a high-density Local Plan was always going to be challenging. Despite these hurdles, Mole Valley District Council has worked hard to craft a plan that balances environmental protection with the needs of its residents, delivering much more than just new homes.

Protecting Our Green Belt

• Total Green Belt Area:19,650.93 hectares
• Green Belt Land Lost in the Adoption of the Local Plan:128.50 hectares (0.65%)
• Green Belt Remaining:19,522.43 hectares

This careful approach means the council is preserving the valuable green space that makes Mole Valley such a special place, even as new developments are planned to meet local needs.

Housing Targets and Government Guidance

The adopted Local Plan sets a target of 336 new homes per year, which is 73% of the Government’s current calculation of 460 homes annually needed in the district. While this means we are not meeting the full Government Housing Need, the plan was approved by an independent inspector, reaffirming its balanced approach.

Beyond Housing: A Range of Progressive Policies

Importantly, the Local Plan isn’t solely about housing. It prioritizes a sustainable future with numerous benefits for residents and the environment, including:

• Affordable Housing: 40% for most larger sites, including social rented options with clear tenure and clawback arrangements.
• Gypsies and Travellers: Provision of new pitches on large housing sites.
• Shopping Frontages: Retained despite national policies suggesting change.
• Character and Design: Strengthened policies to preserve local character.
• Locally Listed Buildings: Over 230 new designations to protect heritage.
• Local Green Space: 27 new areas protected.
• Zero Carbon Homes: All new large developments will incorporate sustainable design.
• Electric Vehicle Charging: One socket per dwelling to promote cleaner transport.
• Parking Standards: Minimum requirements, supporting accessibility.
• Biodiversity: Aiming for a 20% Net Gain—double the nationally prescribed 10%.
• Community and Infrastructure: New or expanded schools, primary care facilities, open spaces, children’s play areas, and early years’ facilities.
• Community Hubs & Transport: Upgrades to transport infrastructure, flood defences, water capacity, and wastewater treatment.

A Challenging Time for Planning

Putting together this comprehensive and ambitious Local Plan was no easy feat, especially amid national government turbulence and policy uncertainties. Yet, the council’s dedication to balancing growth with protection ensures we are creating a sustainable, resilient, and vibrant community.

We are proud of this Local Plan—our commitment to green spaces, community facilities, and sustainable development underscores our responsibility to both current and future residents.