This area encompasses the three villages of Warlingham, Farleigh and Chelsham in Croydon. Hilly and historic, it’s got a rural charm and great views over central London. With some parts of the area up to 200 metres above sea level, on a clear day it is said that the city’s most iconic skyscrapers are visible on the horizon. Located on the metropolitan green belt, this area’s beautiful and plentiful nature remain undisturbed.

Surprisingly rich in history, the neighbourhood has been around since the Anglo-Saxon period – its land passed down from lord to lord.

Historical highlights include the renovation of All Saint’s Church in 1857 by famous gothic revival architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, who also designed the Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras and Kings College Chapel. It was also home to a large and pioneering psychiatric hospital in the early 1900s. However, its biggest historical significance lies in the fact that the area was witness to the “Battle of Britain” in the Second World War. The Valley by Warlingham was in fact known as “bombers’ alley”.

One of the area’s most famous residents was Sir Joseph Swan, the inventor of the incandescent light bulb, who was a local during the 1800s.

A few of the key issues facing this area include concerns about flooding in some of the lower lying parts of the locale, lack of reliable transport (a car is very much needed to get around) and a lack of nearby amenities due to its rural character.

Warlingham Village Primary School had plans in the past to expand in order to create new school places and alleviate pressure on the local education system, but those plans involved the relocation of the school by the council, which was received very negatively by locals. While members of the community believe the council’s move to be driven by developers and money, local representatives argue that moving the school to a purpose built facility would allow it to double its capacity from the current 30 students to 60. Tandridge District Council has also been considering plans for 100 houses and flats in Warlingham. The proposal would see a football club down the road from Purley redeveloped by CALA Homes. The new development on Croydon’s bordern would be made up of 71 houses, 24 flats and five bungalows, of which 40 per cent would be affordable. The scheme also includes new facilities for the football club, including six football pitches and a rugby pitch along with 100 parking spaces. Chartwell Land and New Homes Ltd have also proposed to develop ‘Shelton Green’, a scheme comprising around 150 family homes located within close proximity to Warlingham Village Green.