Village News

Chipstead – A Framework for Growth

Over the last few months, the CRA has become increasingly concerned about the treatment of planning applications in Chipstead by the RBBC planning office and by RBBC councillors on the planning committee.  The CRA is gaining the impression that there is insufficient awareness at RBBC of the special characteristics of Chipstead which set it apart from neighbouring areas.

In order to improve awareness, the CRA has developed an assertive draft document entitled “Chipstead – A Framework for Growth”. This Framework document is intended to inform all those concerned with planning and development issues in the area, including planning officers, councillors, developers, their agents and architects, current and prospective Chipstead residents and other stakeholders, about the preferences and aspirations of the CRA and CVPS, and of the residents of Chipstead. It is to be hoped that it will help reduce the amount of abortive time interested parties might otherwise have to invest in proposals and applications that will inevitably meet with local objections.  

The initial draft of the Framework concentrates on the following nine key elements:

Existing Build Density, Relative Build Density, Height of Properties, Architectural Style, Build Separation, Neighbour Privacy, Boundary Delineation, Property Mix, Traffic and Highway Implications.

The initial draft Framework has been reviewed with our ward councillors at the April CRA committee meeting, and will be further developed for wider consultation.  Clearly, the document has many hurdles to cross, including being submitted for review to the RBBC planning officers. The CRA expects the document to change substantially before it hopefully gains the status of an authorized reference document.

Whilst under current planning law and regulation the Framework has no legal status, it is to be hoped that its widespread local support, following a substantial local consultation process, will serve to make it an influential document. If it becomes authorized, the CRA intends it will become part of a Village Plan for Chipstead, once due process under the Government’s Localism Act 2011 has been followed.

A major review on planning in Chipstead will be presented at the CRA AGM.