New Local Plan Scoping Consultation
Runnymede Borough Council is preparing a new Local Plan, which will shape future development across the borough. The Council has now published a Scoping Document explaining the process and how it responds to new national planning guidance. That guidance is very different from the previous version and could have significant implications for Englefield Green, particularly because of changes to the way the Green Belt is defined.
Please respond by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, 12 October 2026.
The consultation is detailed. It includes nine papers: six topic papers, two papers on “Working towards a New Local Plan vision”, and one on “How we plan to engage with you”. The response form asks 37 questions, including a final opportunity to add “Any other views”. All documents can be viewed/downloaded here.
To make it easier for residents to take part, the Neighbourhood Forum Steering Committee has reviewed every question. Some need only a Yes or No answer, while others require a more detailed response. We have completed the consultation form and answered all 37 questions; a copy of our draft response is available here (link).
Your response matters. If we do not speak up now, it may be much harder to secure the protections and policies we need later. One issue of particular concern in Englefield Green is the imbalance between student accommodation and homes for young families. We believe this should be addressed through an Article 4 Direction, as set out in our answers to Questions 12 and 13.
Our answers reflect the collective view of the Forum’s Steering Committee, but we encourage you to respond in your own words and add any points that matter to you. The Forum will submit its own response, but the more residents who take part, the stronger our shared message will be.
Please read our draft response (link). If you agree with it, copy and paste our answers into RBC's online representation form (‘response form’)
The new Local Plan will influence development in Runnymede, and especially in Englefield Green, for the next 10 years. Issues left out at this stage may be difficult to raise later, so this is an important opportunity to make residents’ views count.
Thank you for taking part
Projects undertaken by the Forum in Englefield Green are managed by EG Community Projects CIC
Co No: 15690744
