Notice about the consultation for the Revised Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area Avoidance Strategy SPD

Woking Borough Council has published a review of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Areas Avoidance Strategy for public consultation between 5 September and 17 October 2025. In accordance with Regulation 12 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2012.  The document provides guidance to ensure that development impacts do not cause unacceptable harm to protected birds in their rare heathland habitat. These birds nest on the ground and are easily disturbed by recreational activities, in particular, dog walking. This includes access to and maintenance of alternative areas of open space to relieve recreational pressure on the protected habitats.  You can view the draft document by visiting www.woking2027.info  The document is also available for inspection at: Woking, Byfleet, West Byfleet and Knaphill libraries. Please see Surrey County Council’s website for opening times  Woking Borough Council, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking, GU21 6YL. Monday to Friday 9am - 4.45pm. We would like to hear your views on this document. The council will consider your comments and take them into account before finalising the documents for adoption.  You can submit your responses by: Emailing planning.policy@woking.gov.uk Writing to Planning Policy, Woking Borough Council, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking GU21 6YL.  All responses must be received by 5pm, Friday 17 October 2025. Please be aware that all comments will be made publicly available and identifiable by name and organisation. Any other personal information provided will be processed by Woking Borough Council in line with the Data Protection Act 1998. If you have any questions on any of the documents, please contact the Planning Policy Team on 01483 743871 or email planning.policy@woking.gov.uk