Think of planning and you might think of complicated rules and red tape, but planning is about the future. It’s about making sure that the right building and development, of the right design and quality, happens in the right place and the right time.
We do this by preparing a Local Plan, which carefully considers the housing and the economic growth that our area needs to continue to thrive over the next 15 years.
The Local Plan doesn’t just set out rules – it seeks to make our area better, for example by reducing the environmental impact of new development, building affordable housing, helping our wildlife, reducing flood risk, and improving our infrastructure such as roads and cycleways.
How to take part
We can’t get the Local Plan right without input from the community. That’s why we need to consult on the Local Plan during multiple phases of creating it. After each phase, we carefully look through your comments and amend the Local Plan accordingly.
Your input is crucial and we value your opinions, so please share your thoughts. Please continue to check back on this page for opportunities to have your say in future rounds of consultation.
Open consultations
Council Budget 2024/2025
Our financial plans support the delivery of our strategic ambitions, as set out in the Council Plan. An updated Council Plan will be presented with the Council’s financial plans in [...] [Explain how the updates will/will not reflect the existing themes]. The themes are: We want to take this opportunity to get your feedback on key areas relating to our upcoming 2024/25 budget and also your own views on what our priorities should be under...
Arlen Hill City Council Communications Strategy
Arlen Hill City Council is working on the development of a new Communications Strategy to enhance our engagement and communication with residents, community groups and businesses. We are interested in hearing feedback from you on our current communications and how we can improve your experience of how we currently communicate and engage with you. Responses to this questionnaire will directly inform our Communications Strategy and how best to build on our current communications channels...
Where you can speak with someone about the changes in your township
Use the interactive map to browse through the events
This is an interactive map.
Hosting drop-in events in September 2024: Springwood, Fauconbridge, Woodford, Hazelbrook
Closed consultations
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Arlen Hill 10 Year Plan
A 10-year plan (or Long Term Plan) details local government plans for their region over the following 10 years and every three years, this plan is reviewed. We are currently working on our 2024-2034 10-year plan and would like to ask your views on the proposals we have made, and encourage you to give any improvements or suggestions you have. We will be taking all suggestions on board so if you'd...
Closed 31 August 2025
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Report an Issue (with publishable replies)
This is an example activity for demonstration purposes only. This site is operated by Delib Ltd and submitted responses will be discarded. We are always interested in hearing about ways we can improve the city and make it a more enjoyable and safe place for everyone to live in. It is vital we hear from you when you experience problems or something you don't like around the city - click on...
Closed 28 August 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this consultation hub?
This hub allows Arlen Hill residents to have a say in local projects, policies, and initiatives. It’s a space for the community to share feedback, participate in surveys, and stay informed on current consultations. The goal is to ensure your views help shape Arlen Hill’s future.
How do I participate in a consultation?
Simply click on a consultation that interests you, review the provided information, and follow the instructions to contribute, whether by completing a survey, attending a public meeting, or submitting comments. Each consultation will have clear guidelines on how you can take part.
Who can see my feedback?
Your input is reviewed by the Arlen Hill Council team and any relevant project partners. Public responses are often anonymized in reports. You’ll always find information on privacy and data handling for each consultation to ensure transparency.
How will my feedback be used?
Your feedback will directly inform Council decisions and planning. After a consultation closes, we compile all input, review common themes, and publish a summary report outlining how feedback will impact the final decision or project.
Can I suggest a topic for consultation?
Yes! We welcome ideas on issues that matter to our community. If you have a suggestion, please reach out through the contact form on our website, and we’ll consider it in future consultation planning.
Feedback and amendments
Comments made in previous rounds of consultation and the changes we’ve made
Draft policy AN1: Biodiversity
- There was support for our ambition of a 30% Biodiversity Net Gain but many people were sceptical that this was achievable.
- We have prepared further evidence in partnership with biodiversity subject matter experts and have incorporated this into the Draft Local Plan.
Draft policy AC3: Flood risk
- Many people said there should be stricter controls on planning permission for people seeking to pave over sections of their front/back gardens.
- Controls on gardens are set by the government, but we will be trialling area-specific requirements for green spaces to be better protected, and larger minimum requirements for green space in new developments.
Draft policy AH1: Housing needs
- Feedback was nearly universal that the area needs more affordable housing and that no new student accommodation should be built.
- Existing student accommodation plans will go ahead, but we will clarify our position on minimum affordable housing and family home requirements.