WOKING COUNCIL LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREEN FUTURE

Leader of the Executive Cllr Sue Smith, Planning Portfolio Holder Cllr Philip Goldenberg and Environment Portfolio Holder Cllr Ken Howard were joined by Deputy Chief Executive, Douglas Spinks, to send the document on its way for approval by the Government Office Councillors and senior officers from Woking Borough Council gathered in the Chamber last night (26 October 2006) to sign the final draft of Woking's Core Strategy - a key document which sets out plans for the future development of the Borough.

Cllr Goldenberg also signed a letter to Environment Secretary, David Miliband, who had asked him to be briefed on environmental proposals in the Core Strategy.

The document is the result of over two years' work involving numerous consultations with members of the public and the production of a range of documents which deal with different aspects of future development.

The main part of the Core Strategy, which is part of a group of documents that constitute the Council's Local Development Framework, introduces objectives and policies that will help to ensure that new development is sustainable. In particular, it sets stringent requirements for new development to address the causes of climate change through energy efficiency and minimising the output of carbon dioxide once new buildings are in use. This will help to protect the environment - one of the Council's top priorities.

Speaking about the Core Strategy, Cllr Philip Goldenberg, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy, said: "Mr Miliband is fully aware of Woking's leading role in taking forward the environmental agenda and he regards us as an example for other local authorities to follow."

The public will now have six weeks to support or object to any element of the Core Strategy. After this, a public examination, chaired by an Independent Planning Inspector will consider any objections that have been submitted. The findings of the Inspector will then be binding on the Council.

For further information about the Core Strategy or other work relating to the Local Development Framework, please contact Woking Borough Council's Principal Policy Officer, Nick Griffin, on 01483 743707 or email nick.griffin@woking.gov.uk

ENDS