The new Local Plan

Preparing a new Local Plan for Woking, from 2027 to 2044.

Contents

About our new Local Plan

We are preparing a new Local Plan to replace the current documents that make up the current Local Development Plan.

This will be a single document that sets out the policy framework for delivering Woking's future development needs from either 2027 or 2028 to 2044.

If an area does not have an up-to-date local plan (reviewed in the last 5 years), it is more likely to face speculative development. This can lead to piecemeal growth and make it harder to deliver the area’s overall vision and objectives.

Map of the area the new Local Plan will apply to 

The new local plan will apply to the area of Woking borough as shown in the map below

Map showing the boundary of Woking Borough highlighted over an Ordnance Survey base map. The shaded area covers Woking and surrounding settlements including Knaphill, Horsell, Byfleet and West Byfleet. Neighbouring local authority areas are labelled, including Surrey Heath to the northwest, Runnymede to the north, Elmbridge to the northeast and Guildford to the south. A north arrow and scale bar are included.

Changes to the local plan

A new plan-making system for England started on 25 March 2026. The new local plan for Woking must follow a set process and timeframe. It should take no longer than 30 months from start to finish.

The local plan must follow this process so it can be found ‘sound’ and have full statutory weight in planning decisions. The new local plan will guide future development in Woking . It will apply until it is replaced or updated.