Full Breakdown
Waverley Borough Council Challenges New Housing Targets
12/23/2025, 8:11:42 PM
Council's Position on Housing Targets
Waverley Borough Council (WBC) in Surrey has formally requested the UK government to reconsider its newly imposed housing targets, which the council deems "unrealistic and unsustainable." The council leader, Paul Follows, highlighted that the annual housing target has surged from approximately 710 to over 1,450 homes, placing the council in an "impossible position." Follows emphasized the need for a planning system that acknowledges local constraints and aligns growth with necessary infrastructure.
Environmental Concerns and Local Constraints
More than 80% of Waverley is designated as Green Belt or falls within the Surrey Hills National Landscape, limiting available land for development. Follows stated, "The remaining land simply cannot absorb the level of development the government is demanding, not without unacceptable harm to our towns, villages, and countryside." The council has expressed its commitment to increasing housing supply, including affordable options, but warns that the new targets force development into areas lacking adequate infrastructure.
Implications of Imposed Targets
Liz Townsend, Waverley's Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development, warned that continued imposition of these targets without flexibility could lead to severe consequences for the borough. She noted potential overdevelopment of towns and rural villages, which would exacerbate pressure on already strained public services such as roads, healthcare, and utilities. Townsend also pointed out that this approach contradicts the government's environmental goals, risking the loss of valued green spaces and wildlife habitats.
Council's Recommendations
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Waverley Borough Council outlined five key recommendations:
1. A review of Waverley’s housing target with increased flexibility for constrained areas.
2. Protection from the "tilted balance" during Local Plan preparation.
3. Stronger safeguards for National Landscapes and other environmental designations.
4. Recognition of the broader countryside beyond the Green Belt.
5. Realistic phasing of development linked to infrastructure capacity.
The council also highlighted that it is evaluated based on homes built, despite factors like market conditions and construction costs affecting build-out rates. Currently, Waverley has unimplemented permissions for around 5,500 homes.
Official Statements & Responses
The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) responded by stating that all areas must contribute to housing supply, but this should not compromise natural landscapes. A spokesperson reiterated the importance of prioritizing brownfield land for development, while also suggesting that councils explore options like releasing low-quality grey belt land if necessary.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need a planning system that recognises local constraints, supports good plan-making, and ties growth to the infrastructure required to make it sustainable.” — Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council
- “If these targets continue to be imposed without flexibility, the consequences for Waverley will be severe.” — Liz Townsend, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development
- “Follows added: “We want to deliver the homes our communities need, but we need a planning system that recognises local constraints, supports good plan-making, and ties growth to the infrastructure required to make it sustainable.” — Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council
What's Next
Waverley Borough Council has requested a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss a more flexible, evidence-led, and environmentally responsible framework for rural authorities. The outcome of this meeting could significantly influence future housing policies in the region.
