Policy information sourced from the Tandridge District Core Strategy

Character and Design

The Council will require that new development, within town centres, built up areas, the villages and the countryside is of a high standard of design that must reflect and respect the character, setting and local context, including those features that contribute to local distinctiveness. Development must also have regard to the topography of the site, important trees or groups of trees and other important features that need to be retained.

Development must not significantly harm the amenities of the occupiers of neighbouring properties by reason of overlooking, overshadowing, visual intrusion, noise, traffic and any other adverse effect.

The Council will have regard to “Surrey Design” and Village Design Statements in determining planning applications. The Council will apply the principle of “good enough to approve rather than bad enough to refuse”.

The Council will protect the wooded hillsides in the built-up areas by ensuring that new development does not adversely affect the character of these areas and that there is no overall loss of tree cover.

Within built up areas and villages existing green spaces that contribute to biodiversity, the quality of life, the character or amenities of the area or those that separate built up areas will be protected and where possible enhanced for the benefit of biodiversity and/or recreation.