The new Government has made key announcements in the past few weeks which have started to shift the balance of power in local planning decisions back towards local residents.

The regeneration of the heart of the Merstham estate will move a step closer in the coming weeks with two key sites * the proposed Merstham community hub and the Iron Horse Pub site – reaching important milestones.

Councillors are being asked for their views on the Government’s proposals for a central Infrastructure Planning Committee (IPC), that would take away current local planning powers to decide on large infrastructure projects in their area such as new runways, railways, roads or power stations.