Elmbridge news
 Surrey remains committed to delivering local government reorganisation
Surrey's councils have reaffirmed their commitment to delivering local government reorganisation (LGR).
This follows the announcement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), in which government confirm that reorganisation in Surrey will not be affected by their national review.
While councils are reviewing the details of the announcement, MHCLG and Surrey leaders remain confident that the county's programme remains on track and that the work undertaken to date provides a strong foundation for the creation of the two new unitary councils on 1 April 2027.
 Work to begin on new Local Plan
Elmbridge Borough Council's September Cabinet will consider the next steps in preparing a new Local Plan for the borough, following new government regulations requiring the council to begin the process by 31 December 2026.
The regulations, introduced by government, require the council to formally commence work on a new Local Plan and follow a nationally prescribed timescale for its preparation.
Although Elmbridge is due to become part of the new East Surrey unitary council in April 2027 as part of local government reorganisation, the council remains the local planning authority until that date and must comply with these statutory requirements.
 Next step to secure long-term future for Oaken Lane, Claygate
Elmbridge Borough Council is taking the next step towards securing a long-term future for the Oaken Lane site in Claygate, with the aim of bringing the land back into active recreational and leisure use.
At its September meeting, Elmbridge Cabinet will also discuss marketing the site for recreational and leisure use with the aim of ensuring this important local asset once again provides opportunities for sport and recreation.
 Elmbridge Partnership Fund open
Community groups, charities, schools and not-for-profit organisations are invited to apply for grants from the 2026 Elmbridge Partnership Fund, which will support local projects that improve health, wellbeing and social connection.
A total of £60,000 is available in 2026, with grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 for projects that benefit Elmbridge residents. The fund is supported by Elmbridge Borough Council, Walton Charity and Walsingham Care.
 Changes to planning decisions: what it means for you
From 31 October 2026, new national planning rules introduced by the government will change how some planning applications are decided across England.
We understand that planning decisions matter to residents because they shape the future of our communities. While councils will be required to follow these new national rules, local priorities and the needs of our communities will continue to play an important role in planning decisions.
The changes will set out which applications must be decided by planning officers and which may be considered by planning committees.
 Celebrate the opening of Cobham's skatepark on 12 September
The new Leg O'Mutton skatepark is now open and ready to use. Join us to celebrate the opening on Saturday 12 September, from 12pm to 4pm. With rider demonstrations, competitions, music and prizes, come along to see the exciting new facility in action.
 Waste collection update
We’re sorry that some residents are continuing to experience delays to waste collections. The disruption has been caused by a number of factors, including our crews having to travel much further to where we can take and process waste, vehicle availability and staffing issues.
We are working with our waste contractor and Surrey County Council to improve the service as quickly as possible. This includes bringing in additional crews and vehicles and using closer tipping sites to reduce journey times.
If your bin hasn’t been collected, please leave it out, including over the weekend, and crews will return as soon as they can.
 Parking refund scheme
Customers can now apply for a refund if they were incorrectly issued parking fines in some council car parks.The issue affected car parks in Esher, Cobham, Hersham, Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge.
What you need to apply:
- your name and contact details
- your vehicle registration number
- proof that you paid the parking fine
- your bank details so we can pay your refund
Please apply for a refund for an incorrectly issued parking fine using the online form or if you cannot apply online, call us on 01372 474 474.
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