The Waverley Borough Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Services met on 15 September 2025, to discuss several key issues including the consultation for the new Waverley Local Plan, the adoption of the Surrey Hills National Landscape Management Plan, the Q1 Corporate Performance Report, and proposed revisions to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee arrangements. The committee reviewed and provided feedback on these items, which will be passed on to the Executive for further consideration.

Here's a more detailed look at the topics discussed:

The Issues and Options Consultation for the New Waverley Local Plan

The committee reviewed the Issues and Options consultation document for the new Waverley Local Plan, which is a comprehensive update of the local plan, including both Part 1 and 2. The consultation aims to gather feedback from stakeholders to inform the preferred options for the local plan. The structure of the Issues & Options paper addresses the environmental, economic, and social objectives of sustainable development set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The committee was invited to provide recommendations on the document to the Executive before it is released for public consultation.

Key areas covered in the consultation document include:

• Spatial Vision and Objectives
• Spatial Development Opportunities
• Protecting and Enhancing the Environment
• Delivering Decent Homes for All
• Promoting Sustainable Transport
• Creating a Thriving Economy
• Supporting town and village centres
• Providing infrastructure to support growth
• Mitigation, adaptation and resilience to climate change

The Surrey Hills National Landscape Management Plan 2025-2030

The committee discussed the adoption of the Surrey Hills National Landscape (SHNL) Management Plan 2025-2030. The Surrey Hills covers a large area across Surrey and parts of neighbouring borough councils. The Management Plan, prepared by the Surrey Hills Board, is reviewed every five years and is a material consideration in planning applications. The committee was asked to review and comment on the plan before it goes to the Executive.

The main changes from the previous plan include the development of a 75-year vision and strategic priorities for climate, nature and engagement in the natural environment. The Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023 places a legal duty on relevant authorities to actively seek to further the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of National Landscapes.

Q1 2025/26 Corporate Performance Report

The committee reviewed the Q1 2025/26 Corporate Performance Report, which analyses the council's performance. The report is structured around the council's strategic priorities:

• A More Sustainable Borough
• A More Prosperous Borough
• A More Inclusive Borough
• Decent and Affordable Homes
• A Resilient and Well Managed Council

The committee was invited to comment on the report and make recommendations to the Joint Leadership Team or Executive.

Proposed Revised Overview & Scrutiny Committee Arrangements

The committee considered proposals to introduce a Joint Guildford Borough Council (GBC)/Waverley Borough Council (WBC) Overview and Scrutiny Committee to provide joint oversight of shared services governance. The report also proposes reducing the number of non-joint Overview and Scrutiny Committees at both councils from two to one. The proposed terms of reference for the new Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the new Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee were included for consideration.

The proposed numerical allocation of seats to political groups on both councils for the new committees was also discussed. The recommendations from the committee will be considered by each Council's Standards Committee and at full Council meetings in October.