Planning policy consultations
The Planning service undertakes regular consultation on the development of its Local Plan and related policy documents.
Supplementary Planning Documents consultation
We are consulting on a series of new Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) to support the Local Plan.
The Biodiversity, Trees and Development and Planning Obligations SPDs have been made available for public consultation for a period of four weeks, from 2 September to 30 September 2025.
For more information on each of the SPDs and how to get involved, see below.
Biodiversity SPD
We are consulting on our draft Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
The draft SPD will provide clear guidance as to how biodiversity can be considered and incorporated at each stage of the development process. It will include detailed information about how proposals can ensure biodiversity is considered and enhanced in the borough.
The SPD relates to the updated BNG requirements (2024) and will support the biodiversity policies set out in the Wandsworth Local Plan (July 2023).
Trees and Development SPD
We are consulting on our draft Trees and Development Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
The draft SPD will provide clear guidance for developers to assist them in managing and protecting trees during development. It aims to maximise the delivery and protection of trees during the planning process to improve the environment, biodiversity, health and built environment throughout the borough.
The SPD will support our Tree Policy and accompanying Tree and Woodland Delivery Framework, alongside the tree management and landscaping policies set out in the Wandsworth Local Plan (July 2023).
Planning Obligations SPD
We are consulting on our draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
The SPD sets out our approach to securing planning obligations through the development management process. It provides detailed guidance on how planning obligations will be determined and applied in relation to different types of development in the borough. The SPD will support the policies set out in the Wandsworth Local Plan (July 2023).
It reflects our commitment to ensuring developers contribute fairly to the infrastructure that the borough needs, as reflected by our Raising the Bar guidance, Developers’ Protocol and new borough-wide approach to infrastructure investment.
The version of the draft SPD being consulted on would replace the existing Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (2020), to reflect changes to developer contributions and policy context.
How to get involved
We are asking for feedback to make sure the draft SPDs are as effective as possible. As part of responding to this consultation, you may wish to consider the following questions:
- Is the draft SPD accessible, easy to understand and use?
- Does the draft SPD contain all the guidance it needs to?
- Is the guidance in the draft SPD clear and appropriate?
- Do you have any other thoughts or ideas on the content of the draft SPD?
- Does the SPD meet all relevant laws, regulations and policies?
Please give us your views online via our Citizen Space consultation portal:
You can also provide feedback:
- By email to planningpolicy@wandsworth.gov.uk
- By post to Spatial Planning and Design, Wandsworth Council, Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PU
If you are responding by email or post, use the consultation response form. This is also available in Wandsworth main libraries and the Town Hall.
Where your feedback relates to a specific part of the document, please make sure it is clear which part, along with any changes you feel should be made.
Your response will not be treated as confidential and any anonymous responses will not be accepted.
What happens next
A summary of the responses to the consultation will be made available following the consultation period.
These responses will be fully considered and if appropriate, changes will be made to the final version of the document prior to its adoption by the Council, which is intended to be later in 2025 or early 2026.
Further information on the consultations is set out in the formal public notice.
Previous consultations
Visit the consultation portal to view previous consultations and responses received.
Future consultations
To be included in future consultations on planning policy, email your details to planningpolicy@wandsworth.gov.uk.
Anyone who has previously commented on policy documents will automatically be included in future policy consultations.
Please let us know of any changes to your contact details, or if you do not wish to be on our database to receive information and take part in future consultations.