Supplementary Planning Document

Mole Valley Local Plan

Landscape SPD

July 2013 This document can be made available in large print, on audio cassette, in Braille and in other languages Contents

1 Introduction 1

2 Policy Context 3

3 Using the Landscape SPD 5

4 The Landscape of Mole Valley - An Overview 11

5 Character Profiles 21 5.1 Thames Basin Lowlands 23 5.1.1 Character Profile: Esher and Epsom 24 5.1.2 Character Profile: Ockham and Clandon 26 5.1.3 Character Profile: Lower Mole 29 5.2 North Downs 31 5.2.1 Character Profile: Box Hill 33 5.2.2 Character Profile: Mole Gap 37 5.2.3 Character Profile: Ranmore and Hackhurst Downs 40 5.3 Wealden Greensand 42 5.3.1 Character Profile: Holmesdale 43 5.3.2 Character Profile: Pippbrook and Tillingbourne 46 5.3.3 Character Profile: Reigate Greensand 49 5.3.4 Character Profile: Leith Hill Greensand 51 5.4 Low Weald 54 5.4.1 Character Profile: Open Weald 55 5.4.2 Character Profile: Wooded Weald 57

6 Glossary and Sources of Further Information 61 1 Appendices 62

Mole Valley District Council Mole Valley Local Development Framework Landscape SDP Contents

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Introduction

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 The landscape of Mole Valley is cherished by its residents and visitors alike. Large extents are protected through European, National and local designations. Substantial areas are owned or managed by organisations whose focus is primarily conservation and informal recreation, such as the National Trust and the Surrey Wildlife Trust.

1.2 Safeguarding and enhancing the highly attractive and diverse environment of Mole Valley is a key objective of the LDF and is strongly supported by the community as a whole. Goal 1 of the LDF Core Strategy is "To safeguard and enhance the highly attractive and diverse natural, built and historic environment of the District." This is carried forward into Core Strategy Policy CS13 which sets out a strategic framework for landscape protection.

1.3 The Core Strategy included a commitment to prepare a "Mole Valley Landscape Character Assessment" in order to assist applicants in understanding what is important about the landscape. This Landscape SPD is published to fulfil that commitment.

Methodology

1.4 Extensive studies of the landscape of Mole Valley have been Box Hill from Pixham undertaken over the past 10 years, by a variety of bodies including Surrey County Council and the Surrey Hills AONB Board. They have not always covered the same areas or gone into the same levels of detail, but they have been based on two key sources:

The Future of Surrey’s Landscape and Woodlands (1997), Surrey County Council National Character Areas, Countryside Agency (and supporting area descriptions)

1.5 Revised profiles for all 159 National Character Areas are due to be published by April 2014.

1.6 In view of the availability of these existing studies, and the limited resources available to undertake widespread field studies, the Council has decided to draw together information from existing sources, rather than commission a full-scale Landscape Character Assessment. A similar exercise was incorporated into the Mole Valley Local Plan, 2000 (Appendix 1: Landscape Character Areas). Once adopted, this Landscape SPD will supersede the Local Plan Appendix and provide a more detailed analysis.

1.7 Although the Council is not undertaking a full-scale Landscape Character Assessment, account has been taken of guidance from the former Countryside Agency. The Guidance also informed the preparation of the Future of Surrey's Landscape and Woodlands and the Surrey Hills Management Plan 2009 - 2014 (which includes a detailed assessment of the landscape character of the various parts of the AONB across Surrey). In addition to these studies a review of the Surrey ‘Area of Great Landscape Value’ (1) has been undertaken and the results are fed into this SPD.

1 Surrey AGLV Review, June 2007, Chris Burnett Associates

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Introduction

Purpose and Scope

1.8 By drawing together information from existing landscape character studies, the SPD provides a more accessible overview of the landscape character of Mole Valley than was previously available. This provides area-specific information, to support landscape protection and enhancement, in line with Core Strategy policy CS13, Landscape Character.

1.9 The information in Landscape SPD will inform preparation of Local Development Documents, including the Land Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) and Development Management policies. It will also be a material consideration in determining planning applications, to ensure that the local distinctiveness of the various parts of the District is recognised and reflected in development proposals. In the case of significant development proposals, in locations where landscape impact is a key consideration, the Council will also expect developers to undertake site-specific landscape appraisal and the contents of this SPD will help to inform the preparation and consideration of site-specific analysis.

1.10 The SPD will also be available as a resource for others, including prospective developers, local amenity bodies, Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Forums. It will provide a tool for neighbourhood planning, as well as for the preparation and consideration of new development proposals.

1.11 The SPD recognises that some areas of the District are of a higher landscape quality than others. However, the mosaic of different landscape forms, each with its own character, combines to create an environment that is highly valued by those who live, work and spend their leisure time within the District. Although some areas are subject to special protection, all types of landscape have their own particular character, which should be understood in order to safeguard the quality of the whole.

1.12 Where maps are referred to in the SPD, it should be noted that most landscape character areas will not have clearly-defined boundaries on the ground. In most locations, there will be a gradual transition from one landscape type to another. Characteristics of neighbouring landscape character areas may also overlap. This study should be used as a framework within which to judge landscape character and the issues it may raise. Judgements about the impact of specific development proposals will always have to be made on a case by case basis.

1.13 The main focus of the SPD is on the rural landscape. Brief consideration is given to the main characteristics of settlements which fall within each Character Area. A more detailed analysis of the character of the built environment can be found in the following documents:

Built Up Areas Character Appraisals for Ashtead, Bookham and Fetcham, Dorking, Pixham and North Holmwood and Leatherhead. Larger Villages Character Appraisal (covering Beare Green, Brockham, Capel, Charlwood, Hookwood and Westcott)

1.14 Both documents can be accessed from the Local Plans pages of the Council's website, www.molevalley.gov.uk. Taken together, the Built Up Areas and Larger Villages Character Appraisals and the Landscape SPD will provide a suite of documents to support analysis of landscape and townscape character throughout the District.

1.15 It is intended that the Landscape SPD will be updated as new issues arise or new information is made available e.g. through reviews of documents such as the Surrey Hills AONB Management Plan or the anticipated review of AONB boundaries.

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Policy Context

Chapter 2 Policy Context

National Planning Policy Framework

2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework sets out twelve "core planning principles" which include taking account of the "different roles and character of different areas", including "recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and supporting thriving rural communities within it".

2.2 Paragraph 109 goes on to state that the planning system should "contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by, among other things, "protecting and enhancing valued landscapes ..." (para 109) Special priority is given to the protection of nationally designated areas, including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (para 115) and Planning Authorities are to recognise the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites, so that the level of protection is commensurate with their importance. The NPPF places landscape conservation in the context of a wider environmental agenda, which recognises the links between the aesthetic aspects of landscape and the protection of biodiversity and this SPD aims to make those connections through consideration of biodiversity issues where they have a landscape dimension.

Local Policy Framework

2.3 The local policy framework for landscape protection is set out in Core Strategy Policy CS 13, Landscape Character (see below). CS13 is in line with the guidance in the NPPF, inasmuch as it recognises the intrinsic character and beauty of all character areas (point 1), while setting out special protection for the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (point 2).

2.4 The Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) is a local designation, which will be retained until such time as there has been a review of the AONB boundary. This is in light of the Surrey AGLV Review, undertaken in 2007, which concluded that most of the AGLV within Mole Valley could be classified as having identical characteristics to the AONB. Review of the AONB boundaries is the responsibility of Natural England, who have commenced work on a Landscape Character Assessment as a necessary step prior to a consideration of the Surrey Hills AONB boundary review later in 2013.

2.5 On the basis that there is objective evidence to support inclusion of parts of the AGLV within the Surrey Hills AONB and until such time as the landscape assessment is concluded and decisions taken about the future boundary of the AONB, the Council takes the view that significant weight should continue to be given to the AGLV as a formal designation and protection afforded to it in line with policy."

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Policy Context

Policy CS 13: Landscape Character

1. All new development must respect or enhance the character and distinctiveness of the landscape character area in which it is proposed. Landscape enhancement works may be required to avoid adverse impacts associated with new developments. 2. The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is of national significance, and as such, the conservation of the natural beauty of the landscape will be a priority in this area. The AONB will be protected in accordance with the objectives in Planning Policy Statement 7 (Sustainable Development in Rural Areas) and the Surrey Hills Management Plan, with particular focus on the impact of development on ridgelines, significant views, peace, tranquillity and levels of artificial light. 3. The AGLV (Area of Great Landscape Value) will be retained until such time as there has been a review of the AONB boundary. Development in the AGLV area will be required to be supported by evidence to demonstrate that it would not result in harm to the AONB, particularly views from and into the AONB and the key features identified in point 2 above. 4. Small scale development for the reasonable needs of the rural economy, outdoor recreation as well as that in support of services for the local community in the AONB or AGLV will be supported subject to meeting other relevant criteria within the LDF.

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Using the Landscape SPD

Chapter 3 Using the Landscape SPD

3.1 This chapter is intended to help users locate information within the SPD and provide guidance on how that information can inform different stages of the planning process.

Structure of Document

3.2 Chapter 2 set out the Policy Context for the consideration of landscape issues.

3.3 Chapter 4 gives an overview of the landscape across the District, including an overview of the underlying geology, topography, river systems, soils, vegetation, settlement patterns and areas which are covered by national or local landscape designations.

3.4 Chapter 5 contains a series of Character Profiles for each of the twelve Landscape Character Areas in the District. Each Character Profile contains:

A summary of the key characteristics of the landscape A more detailed description of the landscape Comments on the character and landscape setting of any settlements Details of typical local building materials Suggested actions for enhancing the landscape and/or addressing identifies threats to landscape character

3.5 Maps of the boundaries of each individual Landscape Character Area are contained in Appendices 2 to 5. Please note that the titles of the Landscape Character Areas are taken from the County-wide study, upon which much of the contents of this SPD are based. Although some of the titles relate to locations outside the District, it was considered appropriate to use the same titles, in order to aid cross-referencing between the two documents.

Role of the Landscape SPD

For Developers

3.6 The impact of development on its landscape setting will vary depending on the location, size, scale and type of proposal. Some developments, particularly those within the built-up area, may have only a limited landscape impact. Others will have a much more significant impact - especially larger and more prominent developments within the rural areas.

3.7 High quality design is a core planning principle, as is recognising the "intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside" (NPPF para 17). These principles are encapsulated in Core Strategy policies CS13 and CS14 and the Council will resist development of a poor quality of design.

3.8 Landscape considerations are an important component of design. All planning applications should address landscape issues, to an extent that is proportionate to the scale of the proposal. The Council will expect developers to demonstrate that they have had regard to the sensitivity of the landscape to the proposed form of development and to assess the magnitude of change that will occur through the construction and operation of the proposed development. They will need to show how this analysis has been reflected in the siting, design and layout of their proposals.

3.9 Where required, Design and Access Statements should demonstrate how the development has been designed with sensitivity to the surrounding landscape. The information in this SPD can be used to inform this analysis.

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Using the Landscape SPD

3.10 It is beyond the scope of this SPD to provide a detailed analysis of landscape issues on every individual site. Therefore, in some cases the Council will also require developers to undertake a site-specific Landscape Character Assessment, to support their planning application, or where a site is being proposed to be allocated for development. This requirement will apply on sites where the location of the site and/or the scale of the development are such that landscape issues will be a key consideration. It is very likely to be a requirement for larger developments within the AONB, or in locations where significant views into or out of the AONB may be at risk. It may also apply to proposals within the built up area, where they would be conspicuous in key views to, or from, the wider landscape. In many cases it will be appropriate and helpful to illustrate written submissions with photographs.

3.11 Questions which may be relevant to the appraisal of landscape issues include:

Gradient:

Is the site flat, sloped or undulating? How does the topography affect views into, out of, and across the site? Are there parts of the site which are hidden behind higher land? Conversely, are there parts which are highly exposed, for example because they slope up from a public vantage point, or because they are overlooked from higher ground? If there are clear views into the site from its surroundings, how would the proposed development relate to those views?

Landscape Function:

What function does the site serve in the wider landscape? For example, is the site part of the rural setting of a built up area? Perhaps the land brings views of the natural landscape into a town or village? Or perhaps it is part of the wooded backdrop to a built up area? Or it may provide a glimpse of open land through a gap in existing buildings. Is the site part of a larger landscape feature, such as a ridgeline, or field pattern, that is characteristic of the area? If so, will the proposed development interrupt or preserve that landscape feature? How does the site relate to the wider countryside? How does the arrangement of natural features such as trees, hedgerow, vegetation cover reflect, complement or differ from adjacent landscape? Is the site an isolated pocket with unique characteristics, or is it seen as part of a larger landscape? If the land is on the edge of a built up area, will it appear as an intrusion into the surrounding landscape, or is it already contained within well-defined boundaries? How will the new edge of the built up area be defined if the land is developed?

Vegetation:

Are there individual trees on the site which make a significant contribution to the appearance of the area? Can they be kept? If so, how will they be cared for, both during development and after occupation? Does existing vegetation on the site include locally characteristic, native species? Are there invasive non-native species which need to be brought under control? Is existing vegetation appropriately managed and maintained - e.g. Is woodland properly managed? Are hedgerows or roadside planting properly maintained? Is there scrub or undergrowth that should be brought under control? What natural habitats are provided by existing vegetation and how should they be protected?

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Using the Landscape SPD

Are there indications of historic planting on site - for example historic hedgerows, specimen trees or formal planting? Where such signs exist, can and should they be retained and protected? If a landscaping scheme is proposed, what tree and plant species are local to the area? Can these be used to good effect? Are there ways in which the structure of the planting scheme can echo the characteristics of the local landscape? How will the landscaping scheme mature over time and what are the long term landscape objectives? Does the development rely on trees and vegetation to screen its visual impact? If so, what is the likely life-span of that screening? Is it effective at all times of year? Would the proposal be acceptable without the screen? If not, can provision be made to reinforce and safeguard its ongoing effectiveness? Does provision need to be made for additional planting, or future replacement of trees which die? Are landscaping proposals compatible with any local biodiversity conservation aims? Where appropriate, has advice been sought from local conservation bodies, e.g. the Surrey Wildlife Trust? Would the development being proposed support enhanced management of the natural characteristics remaining on the site, for example through grazing, coppicing, regular hay cutting or similar measures. Do planting plans take account of future climate change scenarios (e.g. use of drought-tolerant species).

Screening:

Is the site wholly or partially screened from public view? If so, what does the screen consist of? If the screening includes trees and vegetation, what is the likely life-span of that vegetation? Where new vegetation is proposed, does it take account of the points raised under "Vegetation" above - e.g. appropriate use of local native species? Will the view be different at different times of the year, such as in the winter when leaves have fallen?

Views:

What are the places outside the site from where the development will be visible, and what will be the distance of these viewpoints from the development? From key viewpoints, what proportion of the field of view will be occupied by the development (generally a higher proportion from closer viewpoints)? Are there opportunities to create pleasant views from the site, for example by clearing scrub or creating defined viewpoints for the use of occupiers? Are there any important views that need to be safeguarded? Is the site part of a significant view into or out of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? If so, what impact will it have on that view? Does the view include historic landscape features or structures whose setting needs to be safeguarded?

Rights of Way:

Are there public rights of way around or through the site? Are they well used by walkers, cyclists or horseriders?

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Using the Landscape SPD

How is the landscape currently perceived from those rights of way? Would the development change that perception and, if so, how? Are there other areas of permissive access land which are likely to experience an effect as a result of the development? Are rights of way well-managed (well drained, kept clear of obstruction etc) and if not, is there an opportunity to address this as part of the development?

Tranquillity:

Will the development introduce new sources of noise or activity into a previously tranquil area? If so, what impact will that have on public enjoyment and/or wildlife habitats?

Illumination

What are the existing levels of artificial illumination? Will the proposed development introduce artificial illumination into an area which is currently dark? If so, what impact will this have on wildlife habitats and/or the character of the surrounding area? Where illumination is proposed, how can it be designed to avoid intruding into areas where darkness is valued as a characteristic feature?

Structures:

Are there existing buildings or structures on the site? What contribution do these make to the landscape? Do they enhance or detract? What building materials are prevalent in the surroundings? Is it appropriate to use similar materials for the proposed development? What boundary treatment is prevalent in the locality? Is it appropriate to use similar boundary treatment for the proposed development?

Historic Landscape:

Has reference been made to sources of information about features of historic and/or archaeological interest on or around the site? For example, has information(2) been obtained from:

Surrey County Council's Historic Environment Record; The Historic Landscape Characterisation programme data base (viewable online via Surrey County Council's Interactive Map); (3) The County Archaeological Research Framework.

Are there other features or designations on or around the site which give clues to its historic development? If so, how does the proposed development acknowledge and safeguard such features?

3.12 The Character Profiles in Chapter 5 identify the main characteristics of each Landscape Character Area, to assist developers in considering some of the above issues. However, it is beyond the scope of this SPD to provide a highly detailed analysis. The Character Profiles are intended to provide a useful

2 Further information on all these facilities is available via www.surreycc.gov.uk/recreation-heritage-and-culture/archaeology 3 www.surreycc.gov.uk/maps/surrey-interactive-map

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Using the Landscape SPD

starting-point, highlighting the main landscape issues within a wide area. Inevitably, there will also be features which are unique to a specific site and development proposals should demonstrate that regard has been had to this local distinctiveness.

3.13 Within designated areas, notably the AONB and the AGLV, developers should be aware that protection of the special qualities of the landscape will have special priority, as set out in the NPPF, in Core Strategy policy CS13 and in paragraphs 3.19-3.20 below. Within the AONB, developers are advised to have reference to the Surrey Hills Management Plan, which can be accessed at www.surreyhills.org.

3.14 Within the built up areas, developers should also have regard to the guidance in the Larger Rural Villages Character Appraisal SPD (adopted July 2013) and the Built Up Areas Character Appraisals (adopted February 2010).

For the Local Authority

3.15 Mole Valley District Council will refer to the Landscape SPD when determining planning applications. The Council will use the questions above, and the information in the Character Profiles, as a starting point to indicate the landscape issues which may be relevant to a specific development.

3.16 The Council will also refer to the Landscape SPD when assessing sites that have been suggested to the Council for allocation within the Land Allocations Development Plan Document. This will especially be the case in the event that sites which are beyond the built up area boundaries come under consideration. The Landscape SPD will help to identify key landscape features that need to be retained, enhanced, or restored. It will also help in assessing the impact of development on the sensitivity of the surrounding landscape and any changes which may take place through increased development. Landscape issues will be among the constraints which determine the amount and type of development for which a site may be allocated.

3.17 As noted in paragraph 3.10 above, there will be situations where the Council requires developers to submit additional information in the form of a site-specific Landscape Character Assessment, in order that the landscape impact of a proposal can be properly understood. This will apply on sites where the location of the site and/or the scale of the development are such that landscape issues will be a key consideration. It is very likely to be a requirement for larger developments within the AONB, or in locations where significant views into or out of the AONB may be at risk. It may also apply to proposals within the built up area, where they would be conspicuous in key views to, or from, the wider landscape.

3.18 The Character Profiles identify landscape features which are part of the distinctive character of each area. Under Core Strategy Policy CS13, the aim will be to ensure that all new development respects and, where appropriate, enhances the character and distinctiveness of the landscape character area in which it is proposed. However, it is recognised that the information in this SPD is inevitably of a broad-brush nature. Within each Landscape Character Area there will be local variation and the characteristics of each individual site will also be assessed.

3.19 Within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, great weight will be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty, in accordance with the NPPF. The Council will focus on issues including the impact of development on ridgelines, significant views, peace, tranquillity and levels of artificial light, in line with the AONB Management Plan 2009-2014 and Core Strategy Policy CS13.

3.20 Landscape issues will also carry considerable weight in planning decisions within the Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV). The AGLV is a local designation which identifies land that is considered to be of particularly high landscape quality outside of, but adjoining, the AONB. As explained in paragraphs 2.4 and 2.5, some of the land in the AGLV is part of an anticipated AONB boundary review. The review builds on work undertaken by Chris Burnett Associates in 2007, which identified that the majority of the

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Using the Landscape SPD

AGLV within Mole Valley has identical characteristics with the AONB. With this in mind, the Council takes the view that protection of the AGLV should continue to be a high priority until such time as any new AONB boundaries are established. This will particularly be the case where the impact of new development could cause harm to the AONB itself and/or views to or from the AONB (Policy CS13).

3.21 Within the AONB and AGLV, the Council will also consider proposals against the guidance in the AONB Management Plan 2009-2014 and "Building Design into the Surrey Hills". Both documents are published by the Surrey Hills Board and available at www.surreyhills.org.

3.22 Throughout the District, where development is acceptable in principle, the Council will use the SPD to inform the approval of such detailed matters as landscaping schemes, the scale and layout of buildings, external materials and boundary treatments, to ensure that they are consistent with the character of the wider landscape.

For Third Parties

3.23 The Landscape SPD provides a resource for Parish Councils, local amenity groups, neighbourhood forums and other bodies involved in neighbourhood planning or who take an interest in the planning process.

3.24 The questions above and the contents of the Character Profiles can be used to inform neighbourhood planning proposals, including the identification of sites, particularly where they are beyond existing built up area boundaries. The Landscape SPD will help to identify key landscape features of such sites that need to be retained, enhanced, or restored.

3.25 The SPD can also be used to inform the preparation of representations on planning applications or site allocations. The information contained in the Character Profiles should be regarded as a tool to help all parties assess whether a development proposal successfully respects the landscape within which it would be situated. However, all parties are reminded that the SPD is only a starting point and the specific characteristics of individual sites should always be taken into account.

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The Landscape of Mole Valley - An Overview

Chapter 4 The Landscape of Mole Valley - An Overview

4.1 The landscape of Mole Valley is dominated by the chalk escarpment of the North Downs, which crosses the District from Abinger in the west to Buckland in the east. The distinctive profile and scarp face of the Downs can be viewed from much of the south of the District. The Downs are parallelled to the south by an undulating and heavily wooded greensand ridge rising to Leith Hill in the west.

Box Hill from Denbies

4.2 To the north of the Downs, the landscape is more dominated by suburban development as it gently slopes down towards the Thames. The Southern part of the District is much more rural, as the landscape of the Downs makes way for the gently undulating Weald.

4.3 Through all of these landscapes the River Mole carves its path, starting near Gatwick with a collection of small tributaries draining much of this part of the Weald before it then carves its way in a steep sided valley through the North Downs (the "Mole Gap"), before flowing between Leatherhead and Fetcham to meet the Thames to the north.

Geology

4.4 The geology generally runs on an east – west axis through the District (see Figure 4.1). To the south the typical clays of the Weald are dominant, although interspersed with small areas of alluvium as a result of the River Mole and its tributaries, plus small areas of gravel, limestone, brickearth and sandstone. The landscape is gently undulating and the small pockets of other geological features can cause ridges or features in the area.

4.5 To the north of the clay, the next most dominant feature is the Greensand (sandstone) which results in a more prominent set of hills and ridges. This is particularly visible to the west of the District, where it results in the formation of Leith Hill, the highest point in the South East. These hills then drop down towards the edge of the North Downs where the distinctive chalk rises up dramatically, forming steep scarp slopes.

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The Landscape of Mole Valley - An Overview

4.6 The geology to the north of the District is dominated by the chalk of the North Downs but there are areas of clay, silt, sand and flints. The River Mole cuts through the Downs north of Dorking, leaving deposits of alluvium in the valley floor. Further north, the Downs give way to large areas of London Clay, which results in a generally flatter terrain.

4.7 Overall the underlying geology of the District gives rise to a varied, even dramatic landscape with a number of peaks and focal points.

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The Landscape of Mole Valley - An Overview

Geology of Mole Valley

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The Landscape of Mole Valley - An Overview

Landform / topography

4.8 Figure 4.2 shows the main areas of gradient change across the District. The chalk escarpment running east-west through the centre of the District is clearly identifiable, as is the Mole Gap, where the River Mole cuts through the Downs. To the south west the high ground of the Greensand Hill is also prominent, rising to the key landmark of Leith Hill.

4.9 South and east, the Greensand gives way to the lower, undulating landscape of the Low Weald, with its gently rolling landforms and wider open spaces.

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The Landscape of Mole Valley - An Overview

Topography of Mole Valley

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The Landscape of Mole Valley - An Overview

River and drainage systems

4.10 The River Mole and its tributaries are the main fluvial influence on the District. The River Mole's catchment covers most of Mole Valley, with the exception of a small area towards the north-east (draining into the Hogsmill), the very south-west of the District (draining into the River Arun) and a small area to the west (draining into the River Wey).

4.11 The River Mole rises in the hills of North Sussex in the vicinity of Rusper and flows to join the Thames at Molesey. The fall between their source and the River Thames is approximately 95m. From its source to its confluence the river is about 80km long.

4.12 The river was historically an important source of power for many years and old mill structures can still be seen. In very dry weather the river has been known to flow underground, leaving a dry bed between Dorking and Thorncroft (south of Leatherhead), re-emerging where the chalk meets the clay. Conversely, at times of flood the Mole can be described as quite “flashy”, in that flooding can occur and dissipate rapidly in some areas within the floodplain. As the River Mole flows over the chalk bedrock, water disappears down swallow holes before emerging again near Leatherhead.

4.13 The majority of the River Mole's tributary streams are found south of Dorking. Within the District the Leigh Brook rises near Holmwood, flowing north east through the Weald past Leigh to its confluence with the Mole just above Flanchford Bridge. The Pippbrook flows from west to east through a greensand valley to Dorking and joins the Mole at Pixham (east of Dorking). The Rye Brook flows from east to west along the northern edge of Ashtead and Leatherhead before joining the Mole to the north of Fetcham.

4.14 The River Tillingbourne has its source to the north of Leith Hill and flows along the south side of the North Downs, to join the River Wey at Guildford. It flows through the village of Abinger Hammer, where it feeds the watercress beds. River Mole at Leatherhead 4.15 Mole Valley published a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment 2009, with an update chapter published in 2012 to include updated data and changes in policy and procedures relating to flood risk (4). These documents provide maps and comprehensive information about locations in Mole Valley which are subject to flood risk, alongside guidance on the issues which developers and decision-makers need to take into account.

4 The 2009 and 2012 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment documents are available from the Local Plans section of the Council's website: www.molevalley.gov.uk.

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The Landscape of Mole Valley - An Overview

Soils

4.16 The soil across the District is very varied. Agricultural land is generally classified as Grade 3 or 4. A significant proportion is also classified as non agricultural and is wooded or used for forestry.

4.17 Agriculture within the District is varied but generally pasture and grazing is more common in the north with some arable farming towards the south.

4.18 Horse-keeping is common throughout the District, partly as a result of the limited opportunities for productive agriculture on heavy clay soils. This can lead to poor maintenance of the land and hedges, where smallholdings are acquired for equestrian purposes by owners who do not necessarily have the means or skills to manage the land or hedges.

Vegetation

4.19 An assessment of vegetation cover has been taken from the existing studies undertaken in the area. These are based on both desk and field based assessments, plus an analysis of the key features of the SAC (Special Area of Conservation), SSSI’s (Site of Special Scientific Interest), SNCI’s (Site of Nature Conservation Importance) and LNR (Local Nature Reserve). The diversity of geology, landforms and soils has led to differences in natural vegetation and in the way that the landscape has been managed. The result is a great variety of vegetation cover, particularly woodland but with significant areas of scrub, lowland heath and grassland.

4.20 Surrey is one of the most densely wooded counties in England with nearly 20% woodland cover compared with the national average of 7.5%. Mole Valley's proportion of woodland cover is even higher, at 30% woodland. Tree cover comprises a mix of broadleaf woodland, coppice woodland, shaws and small woodlands, ancient oak pasture plantations, scrub, hedgerows, urban fringe woodland, and parkland trees.

4.21 The District includes the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment Special Area of Conservation (SAC), once of the most important features of which is the stand of Box scrub which is unique in the UK. This occurs on steep chalk slopes, where the River Mole has cut into the North Downs escarpment.

4.22 There is also a National Nature Reserve (NNR) at Ashtead Common. The common has 2,300 ancient oak pollards which constitutes by far its most important feature.

4.23 There is also a large amount of chalk grassland within the North Downs landscape area, most notably within the Special Area of Conservation. The SAC includes large but fragmented areas of nationally significant calcareous grassland, which support an important assemblage of orchid species. The SAC also supports a significant area of dry heathland and acid grassland at Headley Heath.

4.24 Hedgerows also provide a key feature in contributing to the character of the landscape and land cover particularly in the Low Weald, where they give enclosure to fields and lanes and determine the pattern of much of the landscape.

Designations and their distributions

4.25 Much of the District is covered by several strategic landscape and environmental policy designations, which result in strict controls being placed on new development in rural areas. One third of the District lies within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with further land lying within the adjoining Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV).

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The Landscape of Mole Valley - An Overview

4.26 There are 12 sites designated as SSSIs covering almost 9% of the District area, in addition to the Special Area of Conservation which covers much of Box Hill and Norbury Park in the north of the District.

4.27 There are many additional sites in the District which are designated as Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs) or National or Local Nature Reserves. These are sites which are known to contain flora and fauna of county or regional value and their importance for nature conservation is protected under policy CS15 of the Core Strategy.

4.28 The reasons why an individual site has been designated for its biodiversity significance are summarised in Appendix 2 of the Mole Valley Local Plan 2000.

Surrey Hills AONB

4.29 The primary purpose of the designation is to conserve landscape and scenic beauty, which is recognised as being of national importance (NPPF para 115). The Surrey Hills is one of the most wooded AONBs in the country. It is a diverse landscape with hills, valleys, mixed farming, chalk grassland, heathland, sunken lanes, small villages and market towns. Although the geology, soils and climate have created the structure to the landscape, changing patterns of land use and settlements have shaped what is seen today.

4.30 The Surrey Hills Board has produced an AONB Management Plan for 2009-2014 which has been adopted by the constituent local authorities, including Mole Valley. A landscape character assessment formed part of that work, and is one of the source documents for this SPD. The AONB Management Plan can be viewed and downloaded at www.surreyhills.org.

Areas of Great Landscape Value (AGLV)

4.31 Significant parts of the countryside adjacent to the AONB are designated as AGLV. Planning policies seek to ensure that, the high quality of this landscape is protected and where possible enhanced. This is considered particularly important in terms of protecting views to and from the AONB (Core Strategy policy CS13, criterion 3).

4.32 In 2007, the Surrey Planning Officers Association commissioned a Review of the AGLV from Chris Burnett Associates. The Review found that significant areas of the AGLV within Mole Valley had identical landscape characteristics to the AONB. On that basis, the Council is supporting the Surrey Hills Board in representations it has made to Natural England to encourage a review of the boundaries of the AONB (see paragraph 2.4 for more detail.) At the time of writing, Landscape Character Assessment is underway to inform that work.

4.33 Pending the outcome of the boundary review, the Council takes the view that significant weight should be given to protection of the landscape within the AGLV, as set out in Core Strategy Policy CS13.

Historic Parks and Gardens

4.34 The District contains five parks and gardens which are registered on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest, representing fine examples of 17th, 18th and 19th Century landscape design. Landscaped parks have had an important influence on large parts of the District and even where they are no longer in existence and are used for other purposes, boundary specimen trees and other features can still be seen. The registered historic parks and gardens in Mole Valley are :

Polesden Lacey (Grade II*) Wotton House (Grade II*) The Deepdene (Grade II*)

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The Landscape of Mole Valley - An Overview

Norbury Park (Grade II) Ashtead Park (Grade II)

Settlement pattern

4.35 The majority of Mole Valley's population (72%) live in the two largest built-up areas which together comprise 7% of the District's area.

4.36 Near the geographical centre of District is the market town of Dorking, the built up area of which has expanded over the years to merge with the villages of North Holmwood and Pixham. Dorking sits below the Greensand Hills to the south and the chalk hills of the North Downs to the north. There are views of the surrounding countryside throughout the built up area, with the natural landscape forming an impressive backdrop to the urban environment. The centre of the town is at the low point of the valley, enabling panoramic views over the town from viewpoints at Box Hill, Denbies Hillside and Ranmore.

4.37 The other main built up area is in the north of the District, where the town of Leatherhead lies between the expanded villages of Ashtead to the east and Bookham and Fetcham to the west. Residential expansion around each of the original settlements has created a substantially continuous built up area. However, there is a significant green corridor along the floodplain of the River Mole (between Leatherhead and Fetcham), as well as a belt of open grazing land separating Leatherhead and Ashtead. Bookham and Ashtead Commons form substantial and important green spaces to the north, while the more dramatic landscape of Box Hill and Norbury Park lies immediately to the south.

4.38 The remainder of the District is rural in nature. Villages of varying sizes are dispersed throughout the landscape, from tiny hamlets such as Broadmoor and Friday Street, nestling in the deep interlocking valleys of Leith Hill, to more substantial settlements such as Brockham, Westcott and Beare Green. Most of the larger villages lie along the A24 and A25 transport corridors. Many of the villages retain their historic core and the majority include at least one area designated as a Conservation Area.

4.39 Outside villages, most lower-lying areas are punctuated by isolated groups of dwellings and farmsteads. There also remains a handful of country estates, held in private ownership along with their associated workers' cottages and farms.

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The Landscape of Mole Valley - An Overview

View towards Dorking from Denbies hillside

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Character Profiles

Chapter 5 Character Profiles

5.1 There are four Regional Character Areas(5) within the District:

Thames Basin Lowlands North Downs Wealden Greensand Low Weald

5.2 The extent of these four areas within Mole Valley is illustrated on the map on the following page.

5.3 ’The Future of Surrey’s Landscape and Woodlands‘ identified 25 county-wide Landscape Character Areas, of which twelve can be identified within Mole Valley, as follows:

Regional Character Areas County Landscape Character Areas

Thames Basin Lowlands Esher & Epsom

Lower Mole

Ockham and Clandon

North Downs Box Hill

Mole Gap

Ranmore & Hackhurst Downs

Wealden Greensand Holmesdale

Pippbrook & Tillingbourne

Reigate Greensand: Deepdene

Leith Hill

Low Weald Open Weald Wooded Weald

Table 5.1

5.4 The location of each of these County Landscape Character Areas is shown on the map at Appendix 1. A Character Profile for each of the twelve is set out in the following pages and maps of the individual LCAs are included in Appendices 2 to 5.

5.5 There will often be some overlap at the boundaries between character areas, as changes in landscape character are rarely abrupt or clearly delineated on the ground. Where a specific site is under consideration, it will always be necessary to consider the actual characteristics of the immediate locality, alongside the information in the Character Profiles.

5 Character of England Landscape, Wildlife and Cultural Features Map, 2005, Countryside Agency. More information on www.naturalengland.org.uk.

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Character Profiles

Regional Character Areas

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Character Profiles

5.1 Thames Basin Lowlands

Overview

5.6 Within Mole Valley, the Thames Basin Lowlands incorporates the settlements of Bookham, Fetcham, Ashtead and Leatherhead, together with the countryside to the north, including Bookham and Ashtead Commons and the intervening farmland. Views of the North Downs are possible across much of the area. The River Mole meanders through a broad valley from the North Downs northwards towards the Thames. The open, flat valley floor is set within a gently undulating landscape. The River Mole often floods, forming temporary lakes on the valley floor and supporting riparian wet woods and water meadows.

5.7 The geology is predominantly clay, making soil heavy and difficult to cultivate. Areas of poorer quality soil have remained as commons or woodlands. Farmland is interspersed by woodlands and shaws. Fields are medium to small in size and usually divided by hedges.

5.8 Field trees almost invariably run in straight lines and mark the position of vanished hedges. Many of these trees are of a similar age with almost none that are young. Oak is the most common hedgerow tree, although ash and field maple also occur. The main woodland type is oak with a mix of bracken and bramble.

5.9 The interface between the countryside and the urban edge varies in quality depending on its management. Many areas are carefully managed, including Bookham Common (National Trust) and Ashtead Common (Corporation of the City of London). However, in a few locations the landscape can have an unkempt appearance, sometimes associated with horse keeping or historic neglect. Irregular fences and gappy hedges, run-down sheds, obstructed water courses and fields full of docks, nettles and ragwort can give such areas a neglected feel. In some cases, this is a consequence of relatively poor agricultural land being fragmented and/or converted for equestrian use, where individual landowners may not have the skills or resources to care for the land or hedges.

5.10 This is a particular issue elsewhere in the Thames Basin, closer to London, but also occurs in pockets on the fringes of Mole Valley's settlements.

5.11 Throughout the Thames Basin area, twentieth century development has tended to expand around villages until they appear to merge together. The settlements of Ashtead, Fetcham and Bookham have succeeded in retaining a strong village identity, even though their original village centres are now at the heart of much larger residential areas. These settlements, and the town of Leatherhead, remain remarkably well hidden in the wider landscape, as a result of undulating gradients and generous tree cover.

5.12 There are larger urban populations further north on the outskirts of London and the easy accessibility of the area means that it is widely used for informal recreation. The M25, which runs alongside the River Mole embankment is a significant feature both in terms of both noise and visual intrusion.

5.13 Key issues in the Thames Basin Lowlands include:

Loss, or poor maintenance, of hedges, hedgerow and field trees, which degrades the structure of the farmed landscapes and contributes to loss of linear wildlife habitats throughout the landscape; Recreational pressure within popular and important public access land such as Bookham and Ashtead Commons; Areas of neglected and unkempt land, including poor management of horse pastures, around the urban fringes; Conservation of the River Mole corridor and adjoining meadows.

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Character Profiles

5.14 Within Mole Valley, the Thames Basin Lowlands contains three Landscape Character Areas:

Esher and Epsom Ockham and Clandon Lower Mole 5.1.1 Character Profile: Esher and Epsom

5.15 The Esher and Epsom (6) Landscape Character Area takes in land to the north of Leatherhead and Ashtead, including Ashtead Common (see map in Appendix 2). It includes the northern part of both settlements and extends to the boundary of Mole Valley in the east and north. The western boundary generally follows the route of Randalls Road.

Key Characteristics

Wooded commons, the results of natural regeneration, give parts of the area a moderately wooded appearance. Elsewhere, small to medium sized, irregularly rectangular fields are enclosed by hedges with mature hedgerow trees. Hedgerow lined roads give a sense of enclosure. Glimpsed and occasional open views of the North Downs dip slope contrast with the enclosure found within the farmland areas. Large parts of the area are urban in nature. M25 corridor passes through the area, between Leatherhead and Ashtead.

5.16 The Esher and Epsom LCA includes the environs of Leatherhead and Ashtead, east of the River Mole corridor. A mixture of open chalk grassland and small scale farmland lies close to, and is fragmented by, urban areas. Much of the area is built-up but there are tracts of open undulating countryside and extensive wooded areas, notably including the 181Ha of Ashtead Common.

5.17 Outside the built-up areas, the area retains much of its rural agricultural landscape character and provides a transition between the densely wooded landscape on top of the North Downs and the built-up areas. The traditional late 18th century landscape patterns of fields and woods is still evident, but the landscape has been affected by the loss of traditional land uses and land management.

5.18 Ashtead Common retains a particularly rare landscape of gnarled, old, pollard oaks in pasture of considerable historic and ecological value. It is designated as a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and contains important areas of veteran trees in broadleaved woodland or wood pasture, scrub grassland, meadow grassland and wetland. It is protected as an SSSI to protect these habitats. The City of London, who own the Common, have a management plan in place to conserve the valuable habitat and over the past 15 years considerable progress has been made to control scrub and secondary woodland and conserve the ancient oak pollards which provide an important habitat for insects in particular. Ashtead Common is also of some archaeological significance, including, as it does, the remains of a Roman villa.

6 Please note: the title of this Character Area is taken from the County-wide study "The Future of Surrey's Landscape and Woodlands" and refers to settlements located just outside the boundaries of Mole Valley. This profile is for the part of the County Landscape Character Area which lies within Mole Valley.

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Character Profiles

5.19 Immediately north west of Leatherhead, Teazle Wood is about 23 Hectares of woodland which was originally in private hands, but was purchased by a group of local residents, businesses and other organisations in 2012. Their intention is that it will be safeguarded in perpetuity for its biodiversity importance and to maintain a woodland setting to this part of the town. The woodland is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance and includes areas of Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland, but has suffered degradation as a result of historic neglect and would benefit from a well thought out woodland management scheme.

Path through Ashtead Common

Settlement Character and Setting

5.20 The southern part of this character area includes the parts of Leatherhead north of the town centre and much of the extended village settlement of Ashtead.

5.21 Leatherhead grew up as a small market town and staging post at a convenient place to ford the River Mole. The town has spread north from the town centre, along the route of the Kingston Road and the railway line. This character area includes extensive residential and business development, with several business parks located on the periphery of the built up area. The landscape of the urban fringe includes belt of open fields along the M25 corridor and the river Mole, with areas of woodland to the north, at Teazle Wood and Ashtead Common. Pachesham Park is a private estate of large detached homes around a lake, set in clearings within the woodland to the north of Leatherhead, between the A243 and A244.

5.22 The village of Ashtead has experienced considerable residential expansion around the original village centre, which is near the southern edge of this character area. The built up area includes a mixture of residential areas, some with a low density, semi-rural character and others of a more suburban nature. The woodland and heathland landscape of Ashtead Common provides a strong landscape setting. The Berg Estate to the north east of the village extends right into the edge of the woodland. Elsewhere, the northern edge of the village adjoins a patchwork of small fields.

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Character Profiles

5.23 The Built Up Areas Character Appraisals for Leatherhead and Ashtead provide more detail about the character within each settlement.

Local Building Materials

Red bricks and red tiles, render and slate, some flint Hedgerows, especially on boundaries between built-up area and countryside. Timber post and rail fences and brick walls.

Actions

Careful management of land and public access. Conservation of hedges, hedgerow trees and field trees to retain the remaining structure within the farmed landscapes. Local voluntary groups can play a valuable role in helping to manage woodlands, and commons. Volunteer opportunities are co-ordinated by bodies including the National Trust (Bookham Common), the Corporation of the City of London (Ashtead Common) and the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project (countryside around Ashtead, Leatherhead, Fetcham and Bookham). Potential opportunities to address issues of historic degradation at Teazle Wood, Leatherhead, following its acquisition by the Friends of Teazle Wood. 5.1.2 Character Profile: Ockham and Clandon

5.24 The Ockham and Clandon LCA (7) includes the built up areas of Bookham and Fetcham, together with the land to the north, including Bookham Common and adjacent farmland. It extends to the boundaries of Mole Valley in the north and west. The eastern boundary approximately follows the River Mole, the floodplain of which lies in the adjacent LCA (Lower Mole). See map in Appendix 2 for more detail.

5.25 The LCA is named after two villages which lie outside the District, but within the same County-wide Landscape Character Area. The name has been retained in this document, to enable cross-referencing with the County study (see para 1.5).

Key Characteristics

Small to medium size, irregularly shaped fields are enclosed by hedges and shaws. Narrow hedgerow lined roads, sometimes slightly sunken, give few views and a strong sense of enclosure. Large block of woodland, including areas of Ancient Woodland, notably at Bookham Common SSSI. A large proportion of the Character Area is within the built up area.

5.26 This area is characterised by a mix of agricultural areas with large blocks of woodland abutting the north of Fetcham and Bookham. Shaws extend from woodland into farmland giving a more wooded appearance. Bookham Common SSSI provides a large single block of woodland, including areas of Ancient Woodland. Oak standards over hazel coppice occur most frequently but oak high forest is common in secondary woodland. Small areas of sweet chestnut and conifer plantation exist and willow dominates wet pockets within woodlands.

7 Please note: the title of this Character Area is taken from the County-wide study "The Future of Surrey's Landscape and Woodlands" and refers to settlements located just outside the boundaries of Mole Valley. This profile is for the part of the County Landscape Character Area which lies within Mole Valley.

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Character Profiles

5.27 Bookham Common is owned by the National Trust and there is an active programme of management. It is also a popular for recreational use, with a network of footpaths and bridleways. Bookham Common is important for nature conservation, as are some of the smaller areas of woodland. The smaller woodlands vary in condition and management.

5.28 Shaws are a common and important features in this landscape. They occur as extensions of woodlands and as field boundaries, which are frequently unfenced and so are composed of even aged oak trees with little or no understorey or woodland ground flora. They usually have ditches and banks associated with them.

Settlement Character and Setting

5.29 Bookham and Fetcham are the two main settlements in this area. The village of Fetcham was first recorded in the late 10th Century and was referenced in the Domesday Survey as three different manor holdings. Fetcham is now a large, mainly residential settlement, based around the village centre. There is a mix of housing styles from medieval to modern.

5.30 Bookham is one of the larger settlements in the District, with origins in the mid 13th century. Its Medieval street pattern - north-south and east-west - has been largely maintained. Again, the settlement is mainly residential, with a mix of historic and modern buildings. It includes a small commercial area in the north west, near the railway station.

5.31 Bookham Common lies immediately to the north of the built up area, providing a wooded backdrop to the residential fringe. The connection with the landscape is particularly strong near the railway station, where fingers of Common land project right into the village, along Church Road and Little Bookham Street. Elsewhere, the railway corridor tends to define the northern edge of the built up area. A belt of trees and shrubs screens the developed area from the wider landscape.

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Character Profiles

Common land at edge of Little Bookham

5.32 The southern edge of Fetcham and Bookham is also clearly-defined, but with a much more open outlook towards the landscape of the North Downs. Residential areas adjoin open fields, rising up towards the estates of Polesden Lacey and Norbury Park.

5.33 West of the built up area, the edge of the built up area is not so well-defined. Sporadic development continues along Lower Road and Guildford Road, with small businesses and residential properties separated by small fields and equestrian uses.

5.34 The Built Up Areas Character Appraisal for Bookham and Fetcham provides more detail about character within the settlements themselves.

Local Building Materials

Red brick and tiles - mixture of flint, render and slate. A mix of brick and wooded fences with some flint and brick walls. Extensive tree cover and garden planting within residential areas.

Actions

Shaws in this area should be targeted for management and protection as they are a particularly important feature of the landscape. Local voluntary groups can play a valuable role in helping to manage woodlands, and commons. Volunteer opportunities are co-ordinated by bodies including the National Trust (Bookham Common)

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Character Profiles

and the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project (countryside around Ashtead, Leatherhead, Fetcham and Bookham). 5.1.3 Character Profile: Lower Mole

5.35 The Lower Mole LCA is a narrow landscape corridor, following the route of the River Mole, downstream of central Leatherhead. The eastern boundary of the LCA is at Randalls Road. The western boundary is just west of the river itself. See map in Appendix 2 for detailed boundaries.

Key Characteristics

Broad, meandering valley with a flat, medium scale, moderately open landscape. Small woodland pockets and strips of riparian woodland. Strong hedgerow pattern of hedges with hedgerow trees, which is becoming degraded. Pockets of unkempt land around the urban fringes.

5.36 North west of Leatherhead the River Mole flows through a broad gentle valley which winds its way northward to the Thames. The valley is open with occasional small pockets of woodland and some strips of riparian woodland. The land is mostly used for grazing and has a strong hedgerow pattern which varies greatly in quality from thick, low and dense to thin and sparse. The thin hedges are often species poor, while thicker hedges are generally species rich, with a mixture of blackthorn, hawthorn, ash, field maple, hornbeam, oak. Elm hedges and lines of elm suckers also occur, especially just north of Leatherhead.

5.37 Where there has been the loss of hedgerows the occasional line of oak trees can be found. There are also some areas of well managed horse pasture.

5.38 Within the floodplain of the River Mole, areas such as Common Meadow and Fetcham Splash provide access to surprisingly intimate river landscapes, very close to the built up area. The floodplain serves an important function in storing water during periods of heavy rainfall and it is not uncommon for parts of the low lying land to be submerged for periods of a few days.

5.39 The M25 runs across the valley and is a major feature in the landscape. Noise from the motorway affects the character and tranquility of the landscape. The floodplain and river valley is broad and meandering at this point.

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Character Profiles

Grazing on Common Meadow, Leatherhead

Settlement Character and Setting

5.40 This area does not include any substantial built up areas. However, the Lower Mole area acts as an important landscape corridor, separating the settlements of Leatherhead and Fetcham and helping them maintain their distinctive character.

5.41 The open spaces of Fetcham Splash and Common Meadow are enjoyed by local residents for informal recreation on a local scale, as well as connecting into the more extensive riverside footpath network to the south.

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Character Profiles

Footpath between Cobham Road, Fetcham and Mill Lane, Leatherhead

Local Building Material

Red bricks and red tiles. Hedgerows, especially on boundaries between built-up areas and countryside. Timber post and rail fences and brick walls.

Actions

Mole Valley District Council are actively conserving and managing river corridors and adjoining meadows through the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project. Continued maintenance of good quality horse pasture. Conservation management of trees and woodlands is appropriate in the south and middle stretches. Other management includes the re-creation of the landscape structure which is needed in the northern stretches, including managed public open spaces, boundary improvements, tree planting and improved horse pasture management. 5.2 North Downs

Overview

5.42 The full sweep of the North Downs runs from Dover, Kent in the east to Farnham, Surrey in the west. They have a dramatic and distinctive topography with a steep, south facing scarp slope that is particularly visible in Mole Valley and gently sloping north facing dip slope. Within Mole Valley, the North Downs lies between the Thames Basin and Wealden Greensand areas.

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Character Profiles

5.43 The geology of the area is predominantly chalk although there are also surface deposits of sand gravels and clay with flints. The resulting soil provides for a variety of landscapes and habitats, not just rolling chalk downland. Land use is characterised by open sweeps of traditional downland grazing, but in some areas this makes way for arable fields. The open downland and the complexity of the surface deposits is reflected in the small scale farmland, enclosed by hedgerows and shaws east of Box Hill and in the heathland at Ranmore Common.

5.44 The River Mole provides an important corridor through the North Downs within Mole Valley, giving the District its name.

5.45 The unimproved chalk grassland of the North Downs provides open expanses, long views and is rich in a valuable variety of flora and fauna. Conservation grazing projects are proving to offer a valuable method of maintaining the open grassland, which requires continuous management to retain its distinctive character and protect important and rare species.

5.46 The woodland is varied, including areas of ancient woodland. This area contains the most extensive area of natural box and yew woodland in Europe. Consequently, large areas of the Reigate to Boxhill escarpment are designated as a Special Area of Conservation. The area also includes pockets of evergreen plantation, especially towards the top of the Downs, where the woodland on the dip slope extends over onto the scarp. The lower slopes are more open but are subject to colonisation by scrub. Beech woodland is also a feature of the area. The whole of the North Downs is quite well wooded, particularly between Guildford and Dorking where some especially large areas extend over the valleys and downs. Beech, ash, field maple, oak, holly and birch are all common species, with an under-storey including bramble, bracken and dog's mercury.

5.47 The area contains important transport corridors and roads. Roads and railways follow the line of the river Mole through the North Downs helping to shape the layout of settlements including Leatherhead and Dorking. Local building materials including flint are typical in this area and red-orange Wealden bricks have been widely used for features such as corners, doors and window surrounds, framing the grey and white flints.

5.48 Key issues in the North Downs include:

Recreational pressure at key locations, including Box Hill, Headley Heath and Norbury Park, where there is a need to balance the desirability of responsible recreational use against risk to the landscape and nature conservation interests; Risk of species loss within chalkland grassland habitats, if not properly managed; Scrub incursion within woodland areas; Potential suburbanising impact of major transport routes, such as the A24 corridor; Pockets of unkempt land around the urban fringes. Preserving areas of peace and tranquillity.

5.49 Within Mole Valley, the North Downs area contains three Landscape Character Areas:

Box Hill Mole Gap Ranmore and Hackhurst Downs

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Character Profiles

5.2.1 Character Profile: Box Hill

5.50 The Box Hill LCA forms part of the "Woldingham, Chaldon and Box Hill" County LCA, as identified in the 1997 study (see para 1.5). It takes in the whole of the Box Hill and Headley area, from the southern fringes of Leatherhead and Ashtead, south to the Box Hill escarpment, taking in the villages of Box Hill, Headley and Mickleham. The southern boundary approximately follows the Dorking-Reigate railway line. The western boundary includes Mickleham village, but excludes parts of the lower slopes of Box Hill. See map in Appendix 3 for detailed boundaries.

Key Characteristics

Extensive species rich ancient woodland, beech woodland, shaws and coppice. Areas of high-quality unimproved chalk grassland.

Tracts of open downland, heathland, wood pasture and commons.

Far reaching expansive views from scarp viewpoints across the Greensand Hills and the Weald. Woodland belts, shaws and thick hedges divide fields. Small settlements scattered across the Downs. Isolated farms occur on hill tops and in valleys. Areas of peace and tranquillity, with dark skies and little disturbance from traffic noise. Roads located in the intersecting valleys are enclosed. Rail corridor through the lower land, south of the Box Hill escarpment. High levels of recreational use, especially around Box Hill Visitor Centre and Headley Heath. North Downs Way long distance footpath provides an important route for recreational access. Isolated expanses of open heathland in the west of the area.

5.51 Most of this area is within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. North of the AONB boundary, from Cherkley Court to Headley, is an area which is within the Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV). This is one of the areas which was identified in the 2007 study as having identical characteristics to the AONB (see para 3.20). The Character Area also includes much of the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment Special Area of Conservation.

5.52 Along this stretch of the Downs, to the east of the Mole Gap, the dip slope is dissected by a series of steep U-shaped valleys. Between these valleys at the top of the dip slope are areas of flat open terrain where valleys join. This intervening high ground forms a blunt profile characteristic of the Downs here. It provides a special sense of openness on top of the Downs despite the gradual encroachment of scrub and woodland. The prominent scarp slope provides a dramatic and dominant feature, which overlooks much of the District towards the south.

5.53 In the past there were extensive areas of heathland due to the acidic surface deposits of sand and gravels. This heathland still remains, but to a lesser extent. A large proportion of this area is still farmland, of a downland character, ranging from large scale open areas with few trees, fields divided by post and wire fences and downland areas separated by woodland and wooded valleys.

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Character Profiles

5.54 This area has a simplistic underlying chalk geology, but there is a great variety of surface deposits from sands, gravels and clay with flint, each with their own characteristic vegetation. There are acidic heathland areas such as Headley Heath, ash and field maple woodlands on clay soils and oak and birch woodland on the flinty, clay soils. Yew and box are characteristic of the steep exposed chalk slopes, while belts of woodland on the open downland contain either beech or ash and field maple.

5.55 The scarp comprises a rich mosaic of pasture, ploughed land, downland, woodland and scrub. The north facing dip slope is more open and undulating with wooded shaws, pasture, large arable fields and parkland. Hedgerows are not generally characteristic of the downland, but in places the remnants of an old hedge line remain.

5.56 Occasional chalk quarries, such as at Betchworth, are prominent landmarks and give the scarp a dramatic character. With the exception of forestry and those woodlands managed by the Surrey conservation agencies, most woodlands are unmanaged and some of those adjacent to urban areas have a poor structure, often merging into gardens and displaying exotic species and species which do not derive from this area.

5.57 The area is extremely popular for recreation, especially around the National Trust's visitor centre at Box Hill. Headley Heath is also a popular destination, with car parking and the cricket green. There is a widespread network of footpaths and bridleways throughout the area and the National Trust promotes its land as a venue for responsible outdoor recreation. The focal points of the Box Hill visitor centre and Headley Heath cricket ground bustle with visitors at popular times. There are also educational facilities at Nower Wood educational nature reserve, Juniper Hall and High Ashurst, providing opportunities for young people in particular to enjoy and learn about the countryside.

5.58 Despite these focal points for recreational and educational uses, the wider landscape retains areas of real peace and tranquillity, which are much to be valued in this densely developed region of the country.

View over Juniper Hall

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Character Profiles

Settlement Character

5.59 The settlement pattern historically consisted of widely scattered small settlements. This pattern is still evident within the farmed landscape. Several isolated farmsteads remain, standing on hill tops, in valleys and within stand alone fields. The traditional landscape view to the north of the area has however, been obscured to some extent by urban development extending southwards from London along the valleys.

5.60 There are three villages within this landscape character area: Box Hill, Headley and Mickleham. Headley is a small village with a loose knit pattern of development. The church, pub and shop (housed in the former village hall) form a focal point, from which pockets and ribbons of houses spread sporadically over a wide area, along the narrow lanes. The countryside setting is apparent throughout the village. Even in the village centre, buildings are grouped on one side of the road, facing a large expanse of open land. Streets are generally unlit, which contributes to the highly rural character of the village, although there is some night-time light pollution from the urban areas to the north.

5.61 Local flint has been used extensively in traditional building construction. Brick has been often used for corners, doors and window surrounds. The rich orange-reds of Wealden bricks contrast attractively with the cool grey of the local flint work.

5.62 The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Unit at Headley Court is a notable feature, with a parkland campus of modern buildings around the original 19th century house.

5.63 Box Hill village is a larger settlement, having experienced significant residential expansion in the middle of the 20th century. Mainly detached houses and bungalows spread out along Boxhill Road and around the triangle formed by Ashurst Drive and Headley Heath Approach. The village also includes a cluster of park home sites. Areas of hard landscaping and well-clipped domestic hedges give parts of this village a more suburban character than elsewhere in the Box Hill area.

5.64 Mickleham lies at the western extreme of the character area, on the edge of the Mole Gap. The village has a linear form, flanking the Old London Road with an outlying group of properties at Byttom Hill, overlooking Norbury Park. Red brick, flint and tile predominant, but render and slate can also be seen. The A24 by-passes the village, helping it to retain much of its 18th and 19th century character. The historic pattern of the village is still evident, with narrow, winding lanes, lined by high stone and brick walls. Parts of the village centre feel highly enclosed, between the steep, wooded valley sides and boundary walls.

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Character Profiles

Mickleham Village Centre

5.65 Mickleham Conservation Area is ranged along approximately 750 metres of the Old London Road. Within the Conservation Area, a high proportion of buildings are of historic or architectural interest. In the central part of the village a number of footpaths converge and there are important views out towards the landscape surrounding the village. To the east, the parish church can be seen against the steeply rising slopes of the North Downs. Box Hill School is an important feature at the north end of the Old London Road, with its imposing main school building in a parkland campus.

5.66 To the north of this character area is the built up area of Ashtead. The southern part of the village is characterised by very low density housing within highly landscaped, spacious street layouts. These parts of the village help to form a gradual transition between the built up areas and the open landscape to their south. The character of the built up area is described more fully in the Built Up Areas Character Appraisal for Ashtead.

Local Building materials

Red brick and tiles, occasionally decorative or running in patterns, grey slate and white painted walls, grey and white flint. Hedgerows, tree belts, shrubs and brick walls.

Actions

Enhancement of landscape character through management of existing woodlands, shaws and hedgerows. Removal of scrub from grass downland and re-introduction of grazing where possible. Removing fly tipping as soon as possible, improving footpaths network and horse pasture management.

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Character Profiles

Heathland restoration at Headley with a priority of maintaining habitats. Careful visitor management to balance responsible recreational use with the preservation of nature conservation interests (especially within the Special Area of Conservation) and preservation of peace and tranquillity. 5.2.2 Character Profile: Mole Gap

5.67 The Mole Gap LCA follows the route of the River Mole downstream from the northern edge of Dorking to the centre of Leatherhead. It takes in the lower slopes of Box Hill to the east and Norbury Park and Ranmore to the west. The LCA includes the village of Westhumble and residential areas on the southern edge of Leatherhead, including Givons Grove. See map in Appendix 3 for detailed boundaries.

Key Characteristics

Meandering River Mole with narrow strips of riparian woodland occurring alongside the river and water meadows Picturesque and often dramatic views associated with Mickleham, Box Hill and Norbury Park Densely wooded valleys, particularly with juniper, yew and box woodland Steep sided cliffs overlooking the valley and high points with spectacular views Narrow winding, enclosed lanes with hedgerow and wooded boundaries Regular field pattern of rolling pasture with bushy hedgerows (in valley), but smaller fields nearer to Headley. Remnant parkland within farmland includes avenues, specimen trees, pollard limes and oaks, copses and exotic shrubs Settlements are nestled into valley sides. Includes a section of the North Downs Way long distance footpath, south of Westhumble.

5.68 This area is generally open, but is dominated by a striking corridor of landscape between Dorking and Leatherhead where the River Mole cuts through the chalk escarpment to create a spectacular geomorphological feature and one of the most popular visitor destinations for the Surrey Hills. The meandering River Mole has created natural amphitheatres surrounded by riparian woodland. The valley is flanked on the east by the precipitous, wooded slopes of Box Hill and by more gently rising farmland, vineyards and parkland on the west.

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Character Profiles

View across the Mole Gap, from Box Hill to Denbies Hillside

5.69 Many of these areas provide a mix of semi-natural woodland especially on the steep sides of the valley. This is an important feature within the landscape, although much of it was substantially storm damaged in 1987. Since then, there has since been good natural regeneration, producing species rich wooded areas. This includes at Norbury Park which is on the English Heritage Parks and Gardens Register and was originally laid out in the late eighteenth century to provide a picturesque setting to Norbury Park House.

5.70 In addition to its historical significance and importance for nature conservation, the area is extremely popular for recreation. The valley floor is overlooked by Box Hill, Ranmore and Norbury Park. Denbies Winery and Bocketts Farm, also in the area, are also popular visitor destinations in the Surrey Hills. The Mole Gap also provides extensive networks of footpaths and bridleways allowing for a number of recreational pursuits such as walking, running, cycling and horse riding. The North Downs Way crosses just south of Westhumble, linking Box Hill and Ranmore.

5.71 The Mole Gap is also an important transport corridor for road and rail. The A24 follows the line of the River Mole through the Gap and provides important views of the distinctive outline of Box Hill. Inevitably, parts of the dual carriageway have changed the distinct rural character of the area with the introduction of suburban elements of street lighting, formal lines of trees and maintained grass verges.

Settlement Character and Setting

5.72 Westhumble is the only village within the Mole Gap area. The village experienced significant residential expansion in the mid 20th century, spreading west from its historic core. It now forms a residential enclave characterised by large detached houses located along private roads with views towards Juniper Hill. Nearly every dwelling has it own individual character, which adds to the overall elegance of the village. Gardens are generally well-landscaped with trees and hedges screening much of this residential enclave from wider views.

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Character Profiles

View over Westhumble (c) Robert Steele

5.73 Parts of Mickleham are also very much part of the Mole Gap landscape, despite being physically within the Box Hill character area. In particular, the properties at Byttom Hill rise up the steep valley sides and form an attractive composition of cottages and other traditional buildings, against a backdrop of woodland. The parish church can also be seen in views from the east, against the steeply rising slopes of the North Downs.

5.74 The northern part of the Mole Gap character area includes much of the built up area of Leatherhead. The southernmost part of the town includes areas of low density detached housing, in mature garden settings. These include Givons Grove, an enclave of large private houses, lying south of the built up area in a secluded, arcadian setting. The town rises up towards the "Beaverbrook" roundabout, at the entrance to the Cherkley Court estate, where there is a marked sense of transition from the residential parts of the town into the rolling landscape of the Surrey Hills.

5.75 Moving inwards towards the town centre, densities become higher and the Mole Gap area includes much of the town centre and Conservation Area. The Built Up Areas Character Appraisal for Leatherhead provides more detail about the character of these areas of the town.

Local Building Materials

Red and brown brick, flint, red tiled roofs, vertical tile hanging to upper floors and white painted walls and slate roofs. Slate is also a common material. Open boundaries, hedges, hedgerow trees, banks, shrubs and brick walls.

Actions

Reduce the visual impact of roadside car parks.

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Character Profiles

Implementation of Road Verge Habitat Action Plan and Green Corridor Action Plan (8), to manage central reservations and road verges, including along the A24, as a means to reduce the road's suburban impact Managing woodlands and reducing scrub, restoring parkland. Ensure that the increased use of the area for recreational and leisure pursuits is not detrimental to the overall landscape. 5.2.3 Character Profile: Ranmore and Hackhurst Downs

5.76 The Ranmore and Hackhurst LCA covers an extensive rural area west of the Mole Gap, extending from the southern edge of Bookham to the southern edge of Ranmore Common. It includes the valued landscapes of Ranmore Common, Norbury Park and Polesden Lacey. See map at Appendix 3 for detailed boundaries.

Key Characteristics

Pockets of farmland are enclosed within woodland with medium sized fields divided by dense shaws. Woodland is particularly dense on the scarp, the top of the dip slope and within its dry valleys (it is both ancient and secondary woodland). Woodland is mixed including ancient and secondary woodland with some conifer plantations. Most hedgerows occur along the narrow, winding lanes and are low, thick and species rich. Extensive network of Public Rights Of Way, winding lanes and tracks - notably the North Downs Way long distance path, which follows the southern edge of the Downs. Historic Parkland - notably at Polesden Lacey. Relatively isolated farm buildings and pockets of housing peppered across the landscape. Areas of peace and tranquillity, with dark skies and little disturbance from traffic noise.

5.77 This area includes the downland towards the west of the River Mole which consists of dense wooded areas. Within this landscape character area fields tend to be in small clearings surrounded by woodland or separated by thick interlinking shaws. The gradient is gently undulating with a dip in the slope to the north which is more open.

5.78 Much of the area is remote in character and seemingly isolated with an almost wild feeling in places. It includes areas which retain an atmosphere of real peace and tranquillity, with dark skies and little disturbance from traffic noise. The population is sparse, occupying only a few scattered farmsteads and small groups of houses.

5.79 There are a number of small lanes which are flanked by hedges and wind their way across the landscape area, whilst a network of footpaths and bridleways threads their way through it.

5.80 At the National Trust's estate at Polesden Lacey the landscape includes areas of formal parkland which merges into farmland amongst rolling hills and valleys. Belts of woodland and shaws follow the contours of the land providing very distinctive views across and down the immediate and surrounding valleys. Parkland trees are a prominent feature, flowing through the area and over towards Denbies hillside.

5.81 The area contains a full range of the woodland types found on the Downs, including native yew and beech woods, beech plantations and some ash and field maple coppice, which are important for recreation, wildlife and timber production. There are extensive tracts of forestry containing conifers and broadleaved

8 More details available from Surrey Nature Partnership, Biodiversity Working Group, see www.surreybiodiversitypartnership.org)

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Character Profiles

species. Most of the woodland is recent but there are pockets of ancient woodland especially on the scarp of the Downs. There are also areas of common and heathland, which together with winding, enclosed lanes and boundary banks make up the distinctive character of this area.

5.82 Another large area within this landscape is Ranmore Common; an extensive and diverse woodland, covering a series of slopes and valleys. These woods are dominated by tall beeches with holly and yew understorey. The North Downs Way provides an important long distance footpath through the woodland, with a spectacular viewpoint near the church at Ranmore Common.

5.83 At the top of the North Downs dip slope, there are often areas of rough and unmanaged grassland. On the scarp slope, there are also areas of open grassland that provide a valuable contrast to the secondary woodland and offer views over the Greensand Hills and the Weald towards the south. The scarp itself is more gentle than in the east and there are no active or visible quarries.

5.84 The southern part of this character area overlaps with some of the Pippbrook and Tillingbourne Greensand valley area possessing some similar landscape characteristics and ecological and geological features.

View towards Ranmore, from Polesden Lacey

Settlement Character and Setting

5.85 There are no villages within this area; only a few scattered farms and isolated groups of houses. To the north are the expanded villages of Bookham and Fetcham, the character of which are described in the Built Up Areas Character Appraisal. The edge of the built up area is clearly-defined, with a swift transition between the residential areas and the rural landscape. Many of the properties along the extreme southern edge of the village enjoy an uninterrupted outlook towards the Polesden Lacey and Norbury Park estates.

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Character Profiles

In other locations there are substantial belts of large, mature trees which screen the built up area from its rural surroundings. This is particularly the case on the western edge of the village; for example in views from the Guildford Road approach into the built up area.

5.86 The area also includes a small area of housing on the edge of Effingham, at Woodlands Road. Here, the edge of the built up area is less clearly-defined, with small business and equestrian uses bringing signs of urban development into the rural landscape. The rest of the village of Effingham lies just outside Mole Valley's boundaries, within the Borough of Guildford.

Local Building Materials

Red brick, stone, flint and red tiles, white render and natural timber. Stone and flint boundary walls and belts of trees along boundaries.

Actions

Conservation of the remote and relatively isolated areas is important. Management of some woodlands, shaws and hedgerows would be desirable. The urban fringe on the edge of this landscape area could be improved in some places, notably at Woodlands Road, Effingham. Maintain and extend conservation grazing to control the spread of scrub and keep species rich grassland in good condition and manage key habitats. 5.3 Wealden Greensand

Overview

5.87 The Wealden Greensand runs parallel to and south of the North Downs. It is typified by a south facing scarp slope, and a dip slope running north, down towards the base of the scarp of the North Downs. It is a complex landscape character region which can be divided into the Greensand Hills, to the south west of Dorking, and the Greensand Valley lying between the Greensand Hills and the North Downs.

5.88 Extensive areas of woodland, both ancient and mixed woods of hazel, oak and birch and more recent coniferous plantations, make the area one of the most densely wooded areas in Surrey. The geology, soil and landforms of this area vary between different localities, creating a particularly diverse landscape. The range of woodland types reflects the diversity of soil types, which range from alkaline and rather poorly drained to acidic and freely drained areas. Bands of Gault clay, the Upper Greensand and the Lower Greensand are topped with a variety of surface deposits from clay to sandstone and sandy limestone.

5.89 Outside wooded areas, the landscape is typically open rolling farmland. Towards the south a traditional farmscape of small fields and thick hedgerows is still retained. This farmed landscape is predominantly pastoral, occurring as pockets within forestry and woodland. These are small to medium scale areas with medium sized, regular shaped fields enclosed by low, thick hedges, sometimes with hedgerow oaks. On flatter land, arable use is more common, resulting in some loss of the original character. Streams drain from the slopes, resulting in valleys and lakes. To the west, farm land is generally more open and larger scale. There are pockets of heathland and remnant parkland that occur across the whole area.

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Character Profiles

5.90 Areas of soft sandstone are easily eroded, producing deeply cut tracks and lanes, often with beech "hangers" to either side. South west of Dorking, some of the vehicular routes feel extremely enclosed, giving them - and the villages which they lead to - an unusual sense of remoteness for such a populated County.

5.91 This area is particularly important for recreation uses, especially at Leith Hill which is used for a variety of recreation uses such as walking, cycling and equestrian pursuits. The area between Leith Hill and Holmbury St Mary includes areas of real peace and tranquillity which is both highly valued by recreational users and potentially under threat when visitor numbers are high.

5.92 The A25 and the North Downs railway line running east-west are significant features of the landscape along the Greensand Valley. They also provide important viewpoints into the landscape for the large numbers of people who travel along these routes.

5.93 There is a string of villages along the A25 corridor, including Abinger Hammer and Westcott, to the west of Dorking and Buckland, Betchworth and Brockham to the east. Each settlement has its own distinctive character and the villages form important landscape features in their own right.

5.94 Key Issues within the Wealden Greensand Regional Character Area include:

Loss of open heath due to encroaching birch, oak and pine and secondary woodland and a decline in traditional management regimes -eventually obscuring open views from tops of hills. Past planting of conifers in ancient woodland has altered the character of these important features. Loss or neglect of traditional woodland coppice and hedgerows. Fragmentation and degradation of designed park land. Retaining the distinctive characteristics of the villages. Preserving areas of peace and tranquillity which exist within the least developed areas. Acceptability of further forestry on the landscape. The role of grazing in conserving and maintaining the landscape and habitats. Impact of major road corridors e.g. A25. Impact of urban fringe and suburban pressures. Fragmentation of farmland and increased horse grazing. Recreational pressure at key locations, including Leith Hill.

5.95 The District’s Greensand Valley is subdivided into 4 character areas:

Holmesdale Pippbrook and Tillingbourne Reigate Greensand Leith Hill Greensand 5.3.1 Character Profile: Holmesdale

5.96 The Holmesdale LCA forms a belt running east-west between Dorking and Reigate, approximately between the railway line in the north and the river Mole in the south (see map in Appendix 4). It includes the villages of Betchworth and Buckland and the northern part of Brockham, together with their rural surroundings.

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Character Profiles

Key Characteristics

Flat to gently undulating landscape with far reaching expansive views of North Downs, Greensand ridge and Leith Hill. Major transport corridor, plus network of enclosed, winding lanes. Field patterns – small to medium scale enclosed by low hedgerows and hedgerow trees. Tracts of open downland, heathland, wood pasture and commons. Limited pockets of woodland, shaws and coppice. A series of attractive village settlements strung out between Dorking and Reigate. Recreational access via tracks and drove ways, including a section of the Greensand Way long distance path, through Brockham and Betchworth villages and south of Buckland.

5.97 This is a moderately open, flat to gently undulating valley. The River Mole flows from east to west, before turning north up the Mole Gap. The A25 and Reading/Gatwick railway line also run through this corridor and are overshadowed on the north side by the North Downs, which provides a dramatic contrast to the flatter, more open parkland below.

5.98 The agricultural landscape is small in scale, with an intricate patchwork of fields, woodland belts, hedgerows and copses, providing a varied feeling of enclosure throughout the area. The farmland is mainly used for grazing, which has maintained a field pattern that is relatively intact. Much of the farmland has been developed on areas of former parkland, such as around Buckland and Betchworth where specimen trees are still visible throughout. There are no significant areas of woodland, but lines of single oak trees marking historic hedge lines are an important feature within the landscape. Around Betchworth and Buckland there are numerous field trees which mainly consist of oak but there are also some sycamore and beech. Ancient sweet chestnut pollards are present in the former Betchworth Park Estate.

5.99 Mineral workings and the A25 are significant features in the landscape of the Holmesdale Corridor. Greensand deposits continue to be worked in this area although there are few views into the workings. Attention is drawn to these areas by the belts of non-native screens planted to hide them from view.

5.100The land between the railway line and the A25 is within the Area of Great Landscape Value, along the southern fringe of the AONB, to the north. There is another small area of AGLV, just to the south east of the village of Betchworth. These areas were was identified in the 2007 study as sharing many of the same characteristics as the AONB (see para 3.20).

View across Big Field, Brockham, with North Downs in background

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Character Profiles

Settlement Character and Setting

5.101The picturesque villages of Buckland, Betchworth and Brockham each have historic cores which retain close links with the surrounding landscape. These villages are very individual in character and still retain picturesque qualities, centred on the parish church, public house, village green and informal arrangement of medieval and later buildings. The villages have strong visual connections to the surrounding landscape; for example the northern part of the village of Brockham stands at the foot of the chalk escarpment, with the prominent feature of the Brockham Big field in the foreground.

5.102The village of Betchworth is strung out along The Street, Old Road and Station Road, with little development in depth and a strong sense of the countryside penetrating into the heart of the village. In places, mature woodland provides a sense of enclosure, as do the high brick walls which are a key feature of the oldest parts of the village. There are, however, some important views into the surrounding landscape, notable from the Walled Garden, north to the Downs and from Betchworth Bridge south along the River Mole. Betchworth House, the 11th/13th Century Parish Church and The Old House are important buildings within the Conservation Area.

5.103Buckland is more compact, focussed on the charming village green, around which stand several notable buildings including the Tower Barn, former village school, Parish Church and village stores and Post Office. Building styles vary, but there is strong use of vernacular Surrey materials, including plain clay tile hanging, exposed timber framing, and feather-edged weatherboarding.

5.104Brockham is a larger settlement which nevertheless retains a very strong village identity. The central and southern parts of the village are within the Open Weald landscape character area. The northern part consists of the wide open space of the Big Field, a large recreational space providing sports pitches against a dramatic backdrop of the steep slopes of Box Hill. Residential areas to either side of the Big Field date mainly from the mid 20th century and are described in more detail in the Larger Villages Character Appraisal.

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Character Profiles

Pond at Buckland village green

Local Building Materials

Red/orange and buff bricks, white painted render, red roof and hanging tiles and natural timber weatherboarding. Brick walls and low hedges on boundaries. Brick walls a particular characteristic in the vicinity of Betchworth village.

Actions

Enhancement of existing pattern of trees and hedges, replacing lost hedges and allowing new hedgerow trees to develop.

Improve standards of horse pasture management. In partnership with Surrey Nature Partnership, apply Road Verge Management Habitat Action Plan to A25 corridor. Restoration and management of parkland landscapes and characteristics at Betchworth and Chart Park. 5.3.2 Character Profile: Pippbrook and Tillingbourne

5.105The Pippbrook and Tillingbourne LCA lies west of Dorking and runs to the District boundary. It takes in most of the landscape corridor between the high ground of Ranmore Common (to the north) and the A25 (to the south). For detailed boundaries, see map at Appendix 4.

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Character Profiles

Key Characteristics

Medium to large size, regular shaped fields are divided by low, thick hedges. Remains of mills and associated channels provide reminders of the past, particularly along the Tillingbourne. Riparian alder and willow occur alongside rivers and channels. Individual buildings in the open countryside such as Wotton Church provide important focal points. Small wooded hills with blocks of ancient woodland and coppice provides moderate woodland cover. Picturesque hamlets and villages and linear settlements spread along the valleys, e.g. Abinger Hammer. Scenic road corridors and a network of winding lanes and tracks, some sunken. Farmland extends right up to the edges of the built up area of Dorking, giving the town a strong country setting.

5.106This area is located between the high ground of the North Downs and Leith Hill. This is an attractive landscape of mixed agricultural areas interspersed with surrounding woodland. The historic pattern of the fields has changed over years and now fields are typically separated by thick, low hedges. However others have been amalgamated, especially at the foot of the Downs. Winding lanes, hedges and rolling landforms give this area a sense of enclosure. To the west of Dorking the sense of being in a valley is, in places, very strong, with the distinctive scarp slope of the Downs to the north and the steeply rising wooded slopes of the Greensand Hills to the south. The valley between Westcott and Abinger Hammer, which contains the Pippbrook and the Tillingbourne, broadens out and forms a strip of good farming land which includes extensive areas of woodland on the North Downs scarp slope.

5.107The valley is moderately wooded with much ancient and semi-natural woodland. Hedges are generally well managed and there are a few field trees, which usually form old field boundaries. Parkland features can also be found within this landscape area. Oak, bracken, bramble woodland are the most common species, but birch and ash with field maple can also be found.

5.108Local features that still prevail within this landscape character area include local stone walls along the highways and low, thick, well maintained hedgerows which remain important ecological and visual features.

5.109The A25 between Dorking and Guildford passes through the character area.

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Character Profiles

View along Ranmore towards Dorking (c) Robert Steele

Settlement Character and Setting

5.110 The character area includes part of the western fringes of Dorking, the character of which is considered in more detail in the Built Up Areas Character Area for Dorking. The western approach into Dorking has a strong landscape connection, aided by the wide green verges and avenue of lime trees along Westcott Road. Views can be enjoyed across open green spaces towards the higher land of the Nower.

5.111 Westcott is one of the larger villages in Mole Valley and is located on the A25, about 2km west of Dorking. The village has a long history and retains a wealth of historic and traditional buildings. Much of the centre of the village is designated a Conservation Area. A high proportion of Victorian buildings reflects a key period of expansion in the 19th Century.

5.112 At the heart of the village is the triangular village green. Shops and community buildings are clustered near the Green. To the south, the land rises up into the slopes of the Greensand Hills, marking the transition into the Leith Hill Greensand Character Area. To the north, the land is more level, but begins to rise up again beyond the village, towards Ranmore in the north. Throughout the village, there are spectacular views north towards the Ranmore escarpment.

5.113 The character of the built up area of Westcott is considered in more detail in the Larger Villages Character Appraisal.

Local Building Materials

Red brick and flint, red roof and hanging tiles to upper floors. Natural timber also appropriate. Boundaries around new buildings should be low, thick hedges, post and rail fences or red brick.

Actions

Apply Road Verge Management Habitat Action Plan to A25 road corridor.

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Character Profiles

5.3.3 Character Profile: Reigate Greensand

5.114 The Reigate Greensand LCA covers most of the built up area of central Dorking. It includes the village of Pixham and open spaces at Cotmandene, Meadowbank and the Glory Woods. Otherwise, most of the LCA is substantially developed (see map in Appendix 4 for detailed boundaries).

Key Characteristics

A large part of this area is within the built-up area of Dorking. Includes substantial open spaces at Cotmandene, Dorking Cemetry, Meadowbank and Pixham Lane Sports Ground. Remnant parkland is common with historic features, fields trees, avenue, small groups of trees and park railings. On south eastern edge of town, sunken roads, lined with trees, are very enclosed. Includes areas of picturesque village development (e.g. Pixham) and attractive semi-rural suburban areas. Views of the AONB are available from many parts of the town, with the North Downs ridge, including Box Hill and Ranmore, forming a backdrop to the built up area. Views from the AONB into the town include the distinctive spire of St Martins Church, in the heart of the town, and the open land at Sondes Place Farm, and along the River Mole floodplain, which provide the town with a strong country setting, as viewed from higher land.

5.115 The majority of this character area within Mole Valley is incorporated into the main built-up area of Dorking. Outside the built up area, there are small pockets of farmland, which incorporate key features from parkland and the few woodlands that exist. Areas of woodland are small and infrequent, but are predominantly ancient semi - natural healthy oak - birch woodland with some oak - bracken - bramble woodland. Secondary woodland also occurs with oak and birch on scrubbed over commons and wet alder woodland which occur in low lying areas between the hills. The urban area includes significant areas of open space, notably at Meadowbank and Cotmandene.

5.116 Dorking Cemetery provides an outstanding example of dry acid grassland. The area directly around Cotmandene is also significant for this.

Settlement Character and Setting

5.117 Dorking is a traditional market town, which experienced significant expansion in the Victorian period and the mid 20th century. It has expanded to coalesce with the villages of Pixham, to the east and North Holmwood, to the south. The topography of the town and its historic settlement pattern is strongly influenced by its location between the Greensand Hills and the North Downs. Locally sourced building materials and vernacular building styles contribute to its distinctive character.

5.118 The town sits in a bowl, surrounded by higher land, making for many interesting and dramatic views both into and out of the built up area. Important views include the view of St Martin's Church tower, from surrounding higher land - including the Box Hill viewpoint, Ranmore Common, The Nower and Denbies Hillside. There are also many points within the town from which these parts of the landscape are clearly visible, forming a backdrop to the built up area. For example, the Box Hill escarpment can be clearly seen in eastward views along Dorking High Street, and from Reigate Road east of the Deepdene roundabout. These views are highly significant in linking the built up area to its landscape setting and reinforcing Dorking's identity as a country town.

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Character Profiles

View from Cotmandene, towards Box Hill (c) Surrey Hills Board

5.119 There are a number of significant areas of open space within the town itself, notably at Cotmandene and Meadowbank. Cotmandene in particular retains much of its original character as an area of common land, still used for grazing and managed in a way which retains its open informality, with the grass left long and the lanes narrow with passing places.

5.120There is an extensive network of footpaths and rights of way around the periphery of the town, providing a further strong connection with the surrounding landscape. In several places - such as the Nower, the Glory Woods and Deepdene - there are still substantial areas of woodland, which extend right into the edges of the built up area.

5.121The characteristics of the built up area itself are more fully considered in the Built Up Areas Character Appraisal for Dorking, North Holmwood and Pixham.

Local Building Materials

Red brick and stone walls, red tiled roofs and tile hanging, white render and exposed timber, flint render and slate. Brick and stone walls, hedges, timber post and rail fences and park railings.

Actions

Ongoing management and, where necessary, restoration of areas of parkland.

Maintain and enhance areas of dry acid grassland or apply Grassland Habitat Action Plan.

In partnership with Surrey Nature Partnership, apply Road Verge Management Habitat Action Plan to A24 corridor.

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Character Profiles

5.3.4 Character Profile: Leith Hill Greensand

5.122This LCA includes the whole of the landscape of Leith Hill, including villages along the A25 corridor and south to Holmbury St Mary and Coldharbour. The southern boundary follows the edge of the Leith Hill escarpment, where it meets the more low-lying landscape of the Weald. The detailed boundaries are shown on the map in Appendix 4.

5.123The LCA extends into the built up area of Dorking, taking in lower density residential areas in the south of the town, including the Deepdene area, Tower Hill and the area around Ridgeway Road. It excludes a finger of lower-lying ground, to the west of North Holmwood, which lies within the Wooded Weald LCA.

Key Characteristics

An outcrop of Greensand which rises in a series of hills with small valleys Medium scale, farmed landscape with medium sized, irregular fields enclosed by low hazel hedges or hedgebanks along the lower dip slopes Dense woodland with a large proportion of coniferous plantations, smaller areas of broadleaf plantations on scarp slopes and upper dip slopes Valleys have steep wooded sides and open valley floors Settlements occur within the deep, interlocking valleys Conifer plantations emphasise the slope and height of the hills giving the landscape a apparently mountainous, upland character Long distance views across the Weald and to the North Downs are common. Pockets of historically and ecologically important heathland, commons and heathy woodland Network of enclosed, winding lanes, including distinctive sunken lanes with high banks and exposed tree roots. Extensive network of public rights of way, including the Greensand Way long distance footpath connecting Holmbury St Mary, the Leith Hill Tower and the villages of Broadmoor and Westcott through to Dorking and beyond. Distinctive villages and a strong feeling of remoteness. Many areas retain a high level of peace and tranquillity, with dark skies and little disturbance from traffic noise.

5.124The ridge of Greensand is a dominant feature running west-east from Holmbury St Mary to Dorking. The area is characterised by prominent wooded hills divided by valleys. It is relatively unspoilt and has a quality of true remoteness. Extensive woodland cover is punctuated with small settlements in secluded valleys and small-scale agriculture in wooded clearings. The sense of enclosure created by the extensive woodland and deep valleys creates a deep sense of tranquillity in many areas; even within the smaller hamlets.

5.125A characteristic feature of the soft, easily eroded sandstone is the deeply cut tracks and roads; some as much as 10 metres below the surrounding land level. These highly-enclosed routes add to the sense of passing through deep countryside.

5.126The Leith Hill Greensand ridge provides a dramatic backdrop to the low-lying Weald in the south and provides extensive views north and south. From some angles it appears as a series of rugged, pine forested hills. Panoramic views are available from the hills, across the Weald. Leith Hill itself is 294m high, the highest point in the south-east and a magnet for recreation including cycling, walking and equestrian activities.

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Character Profiles

Sunken track in Leith Hill area (c) Robert Steele

5.127Much of the land is publicly accessible with extensive footpath and bridleway networks. A section of the Greensand Way long distance footpath passes through the area, entering the District at Holmbury St Mary and providing a route through the woodland, over the summit of Leith Hill and onwards to Westcott and Dorking.

5.128The scarp slope of the ridge and the upper part of the dip slope are heavily wooded and contain a scattering of houses whose gardens merge with the woodland. In contrast, much of the lower dip slope is open, rolling and is farmed. Fields are variable in size with hedges which are low and in some places gappy and over-grazed. Homes and gardens are scattered across the area, many with wooded gardens extending the woodland down the hills.

5.129The Greensand ridge is characterised by light sandy, acidic and well drained soils which support mainly conifer trees although there are areas of alkaline-loving woodland. The wooded areas have extensive plantations of scots and corsican pine, norway spruce, western hemlock and larch with a few beech plantations. Often conifer blocks are edged with broad leaf woodland or scrub. Most of the woodlands are actively managed for timber; very little is ancient.

5.130The heathland, which traditionally covered most of the area, only now remains in small parts. It has generally been invaded by scrub, especially conifers and birch, to form secondary woodland, although there are management measures being taken on National Trust owned land to clear woodland and to restore views and heathland.

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Character Profiles

Settlement Character and Setting

5.131The Greensand Hills are divided by a series of deep interlocking valleys, containing small villages and hamlets, including Friday Street, Broadmoor, Holmbury St Mary, Abinger Common and Coldharbour. Many of these settlements have something of the character of upland villages. They are very much a part of the landscape, punctuating the woodland and valleys with cosy clusters of village properties. The villages have a much-valued quality of isolation and remoteness by virtue of their small size, compact nature and the dense wooded hills that hem them in.

5.132An important element of the village form in this area is the open spaces around properties which underline the organic development of each settlement and the visual relationship with its rural surroundings. Many of the buildings are of modest size. The use of local stone, brick and tile gives a distinctive, mellow appearance to buildings. Most of the buildings traditionally were individually built, reflecting the vernacular architecture of the Surrey Hills. Extensive use is made of Leith Hill Stone - a soft, iron-rich local sandstone - often with flint galletting. Soft, orange/red plain clay tiles and brickwork are also common.

5.133Abinger Hammer lies at the north western tip of the area, overlooking the Tillingbourne, where the Wealden Greensand area meets the North Downs. This village has a strong 19th century flavour. The presence of the river and the purity of the water resulted in the development of watercress beds that are still part of the village landscape and are included within the conservation area. The predominant materials are red brick and tile with some local stone and weatherboarding. Chimneys are also a notable feature. Many properties in the village are part of the Wotton Estate, where the use of the estate colours of yellow and blue paintwork is a prominent feature of the area. Many of the buildings that do not form part of the estate have their own distinct individual characters.

5.134The character area also includes the southern part of the village of Westcott, where the housing areas south of the A25 rise steeply up into the edges of Greensand Hills. Within this part of the village, some of the residential streets are cut deep into the hillside, reflecting the character of the rural lanes in the wider landscape. The character of Westcott itself is described in more detail in the Larger Villages Character Appraisal.

5.135Parts of the north east of this landscape area are within the built up area of Dorking, taking in lower density residential areas at Ridgeway Road, Tower Hill and Deepdene. The generous tree cover in this part of the town is highly significant in landscape terms. Tree belts screen much of the south eastern edge of the built up area from view, both from the A24 to the south and from Coldharbour Lane to the west. Without these tree belts, the built up areas would be much more conspicuous in the landscape, particularly where they are on elevated land, such as in the vicinity of Highacre and Tower Hill.

5.136The Glory Woods is another significant area of woodland, extending right into the built up area. The A24 bypass carves through the woods, through the Greensand ridge in a sunken corridor surrounded by long belts of mature trees, including many beech trees. The roadside environment has similarities to the sunken lanes found on Leith Hill, but on a larger scale, and is an interesting landscape feature in its own right.

5.137The characteristics of the built up areas within Dorking and its environs are described in more detail in the Built Up Areas Character Appraisal for Dorking, Pixham and North Holmwood.

Local Building Materials

Red brick and red tiles on roofs and tile hanging to upper floors. Yellow "Leith Hill" Sandstone, and irregular mortar joints, sometimes with galleting

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Character Profiles

White render and exposed timber. Hedges, grass banks and tree belts along boundaries.

Actions

Enhancement and restoration of heathland. Management of impact of recreation, including off road driving which can cause some issues in places. 5.4 Low Weald

Overview

5.138The Low Weald lies south of the Wealden Greensand and has a more open and gently undulating topography than other areas of Mole Valley. It is a small-scale landscape composed of an intricate mix of small woodlands, a patchwork of fields, and hedgerows. The underlying clay, which is the predominant feature of the Weald, in most parts leads to a heavy, wet, nutrient poor soil, especially in winter. There is also a localised limestone outcrop that produces a distinctive ridge at Norwood Hill and some alluvium deposits are found south-east of Dorking.

5.139The area contains many attractive landscape features and wildlife habitats including roadside ponds, meandering streams with bankside vegetation and steep-sided ghylls. The irregular shaped woodlands, tree belts and shaws are remnants of a once extensive area of woodland cover. Oak is a characteristic of the Weald, much of which is ancient and semi-natural. This woodland is also rich in tree, shrub and ground flora. The hedgerows are also generally species rich and a significant landscape feature. Most farmland is now however used for pasture where fields are generally small in size and irregular in shape.

5.140Narrow winding roads and lanes follow the sinuous lines of hedgerows throughout the Weald and provide varied views towards the more dramatic scenery of the Greensand ridge and North Downs. The larger villages are often centred on greens or commons. Another feature are steep-sided ghylls forming fingers of steep sided vegetation of considerable ecological interest. Many buildings are traditional in character, commonly built of local orange-red brick, with tile-hanging. Half timbered homes and roof tiles of Horsham slab can also be seen.

5.141Key Issues in the Low Weald include:

Creeping fragmentation of farmland around houses into gardens or pony paddocks, sometimes with conifer hedges leading to a loss of rural character. Riparian landscapes under pressure from decline and neglect, including loss of farm ponds Impact of traffic on narrow lanes. Decline in quality of hedgerows and hedgerow trees. Decline in species rich coppice woodland and distinctive ghyll woodland. Urban influences have affected parts of the rural area, especially around Gatwick Airport and Horley and there are plans for urban expansion beyond the District boundaries at Horley, Crawley and Horsham.

5.142The Low Weald is divided into two Landscape Character Areas:

Open Weald Wooded Weald

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Character Profiles

5.4.1 Character Profile: Open Weald

5.143The Open Weald is a large LCA, taking in all of the lower-lying countryside in the south eastern quarter of the District. It reaches from the southern parts of Dorking and Brockham, south and east to the District boundary. The villages of Charlwood, Hookwood, Leigh and Newdigate all lie within this LCA.

5.144To the west, the Open Weald adjoins the Wooded Weald LCA, with the boundary roughly following Henfold Lane and Rusper Road, south through the centre of Newdigate (see map in Appendix 5).

Key Characteristics

Moderately open, small scale, undulating landscape Small, irregularly shaped fields are divided by strong pattern of square-cut hedges with regularly spaced hedgerow oaks Narrow winding lanes are enclosed by low hedges or are sunken within hedge banks Rivers / streams are sunken below the surrounding land and only apparent as result of occasional riparian alder and willow Small scattered development occurs on higher ground, larger scale modern development lies on the flat plain around Gatwick Church towers and farm buildings provide important focal points in short distance views. Ongoing threat of airport-related development encroaching into the rural landscape.

5.145The landscape to the east of Newdigate is generally more open and predominantly in agricultural use. Arable farmland is more dominant than in other parts of the District. This area has the occasional shaw that are usually separate from woodlands. Woodlands are generally small discrete blocks of less than 10ha. In the gently undulating landscape connected with the often slightly sunken lanes, there is a feeling of enclosure. Around Leigh and Charlwood, broad lines of oak trees alongside hedgerows are a characteristic feature.

5.146Rivers and streams in the Low Weald are sunk below the level of the land surface, marked by the occasional tree and scrub. The larger tributaries and main rivers are bordered by areas of flood meadow. The River Mole still floods in winter, rising rapidly over its banks and changing the landscape from one with hidden rivers to open water.

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Character Profiles

View over the Weald from Box Hill (c) Rod Shaw

Settlement Character and Setting

5.147Within Mole Valley, the Open Weald includes the southern part of Brockham and the villages of Newdigate, Leigh, Hookwood and Charlwood. Most of the villages retain much of their traditional character, with Conservation Areas focussed around their village greens and churches. These Wealden villages are typically fairly loose-knit, with ribbons of 19th to mid 20th century development extending out from the original village core. Open fields, hedgerows and pockets of woodland come right into the hearts of the villages, giving them a very strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

5.148Brockham has experienced a higher degree of residential expansion than other villages, notably at Strood Green, where there is a substantial enclave of 1930s/1950s dwellings. However, it retains its traditional heart, around the Green, with its particularly picturesque collection of listed buildings and other period properties.

5.149Brockham, Charlwood and Hookwood are among the six "larger villages" within Mole Valley. Their characteristics are considered in more detail in the Larger Villages Character Appraisal.

5.150Beyond the District boundary, parts of the Open Weald are subject to proposals for urban expansion around the settlements of Horley and Crawley. Gatwick Airport, immediately south east of the District is also a significant influence on demands for development.

Local Building Materials

Red brick and tiles, contrasting white painted walls, or feather-edged weatherboard Exposed timber framing Occasional Horsham slab Low, square cut hedges with hedgerow oaks, tree belts or brick walls.

Actions

Conservation through appropriate management of characteristic hedges, shaws, hedgerow trees and field trees.

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Character Profiles

5.4.2 Character Profile: Wooded Weald

5.151The Wooded Weald is a large LCA covering most of the countryside in the south west quarter of the District. It meets the Open Weald to the east, with the boundary roughly following Henfold Lane and Rusper Road, south through the centre of Newdigate (see map at Appendix 5). The Wooded Weald includes the villages of South and Mid Holmwood, Capel, Beare Green, Ockley, Forest Green, Oakwoodhill and Wallis Wood, together with all the surrounding countryside south of the Leith Hill escarpment.

Key Characteristics

Woodlands are large and include substantial areas of forestry, they are sinuous and winding, extending out in long shaws and along ghylls Farmed land occurs predominantly as small grazed areas enclosed by woodland Small, irregular shaped fields are divided by tall hedgerows or shaws Narrow winding lanes are enclosed by tall hedgerows or hedge banks Distinctive villages are centred on greens or commons Rivers wind their way through the area in deep, inaccessible wooded ghylls. Leith Hill and the North Downs provide an important backdrop.

5.152Much of the Wooded Weald lies within the Surrey Hills AONB. Land to the south west of the District (south of the B2126) is within the Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV). This is one of the areas which was identified in the 2007 study as having identical characteristics to the AONB (see para 3.20).

5.153The Weald to the west of Newdigate becomes progressively more wooded. Woods tend to be sinuous and winding in shape extending out in long shaws among steep sided stream valleys or ghylls which are typical of this area. Fields characteristically appear as clearings in the midst of large areas of woodland. Wide grass verges with mature oaks are an important feature around Oakwoodhill. In areas around the ghylls (steep-sided valleys containing streams) the woodland is rich in ash and field maple.

5.154The larger woodlands of the Wooded Weald have allowed the development of substantial areas of forestry. Many of these forestry areas consist of replanted woodland. These areas contain plantations of conifers and broadleaves. Many plantations are owned and managed by the Forest Enterprise, and as a consequence they are managed with regard for species and habitats and have good public access onto footpaths and bridleways, which all appear to be fairly well used. Some woodlands suffer some levels of damage, mostly from deer and recreational activity. However there is active control being taken in several of the larger plantations that are managed for timber. In some of the wooded areas, where re-coppicing has taken place, it has been necessary to take protective measures to avoid damage resulting from browsing deer.

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Character Profiles

View over Wooded Weald, from Leith Hill (c) John Miller / The Surrey Hills Board

Settlement Character and Setting

5.155The Wooded Weald also includes the larger villages of Capel and Beare Green and a scattering of smaller settlements - from Mid and South Holmwood on the A24 corridor, moving south west to Ockley, Oakwoodhill, Forest Green and Wallis Wood. There are also occasional small residential enclaves, such as at Weare Street.

5.156Many of the smaller villages - particularly those in the south west of the District - retain a very close relationship with the surrounding landscape. They have kept their intimate scale, within which the landscape of woodland, small fields and narrow lanes is easily appreciated. Some retain the atmosphere, in both name and layout, of woodland clearings - for example at Forest Green and Oakwoodhill.

5.157In many villages, the relationship with the landscape is reinforced by fields which punctuate built-up frontages and allow views outward into neighbouring countryside. This can be seen in the linear village of Capel, as well as within many of the smaller settlements. Village greens, key buildings, (notably the parish church), and the use of traditional building materials and detailing, all combine to create the valuable heritage of the Wealden village.

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Character Profiles

Traditional buildings on Ockley Village Green (c) Peter Mills

5.158The relatively high density of small, scattered farmsteads and isolated dwellings is a characteristic feature, punctuating the landscape. Isolated groups of buildings are often well screened by trees and hedgerows, so that built development does not dominate the landscape where it occurs.

5.159Traditionally, buildings in the Weald have been constructed using locally available materials, particularly oak which was used on medieval buildings as well as locally produced brick, stone and tile on later buildings. Horsham slab is a characteristic roofing material on some buildings in the area.

5.160The built up area of Beare Green is much more densely-developed than other villages in the Weald, having experienced a significant period of residential expansion in the mid to late 20th century. The most developed part of the village is contained between the railway line and the A24 corridor. North of the railway, built development becomes more intermittent and the amount of vegetation increases, increasing the connection with the wider landscape.

5.161 The southern edge of the village is screened by a belt of trees, separating the built up area from the open fields beyond. The village continues to the southeast, beyond the roundabout, where it retains more of a traditional Wealden form, with sporadic housing and community building around an open green.

5.162The characteristics of the two larger villages - Capel and Beare Green - are described more fully in the Larger Villages Character Appraisal.

Local Building Materials

Red brick and roof tiles, white weatherboarding and contrasting exposed timber framing. Occasional use of Horsham Slab. Hedges or tree belts for new boundaries. Occasionally white timber palisade fences for more open boundaries around residential areas.

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Character Profiles

Actions

Conservation and management of woodland, shaws and hedges. Appropriate management of ghylls.

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Glossary and Sources of Further Information

Chapter 6 Glossary and Sources of Further Information

Term Definition

Alluvium Soil or sediment deposited by a river or other running water. Typically made up of a variety of materials, included silt, clay, sand and gravel

Brickearth Originally wind-blown dust deposited under extremely cold, dry conditions that can be used for making house bricks .

Dip slope The gentle, north facing slope of the Downs.

Farmstead A farmhouse and the buildings and land around it.

Ghyll Linear valley features cut into the sandy beds of the Weald.

Greensand Coloured sandstone rock, commonly found in narrow bands and associated with chalk and clay.

Hanger A wood on the side of a steep hill

Horsham Slab Cretaceous sandstone slabs, used as a stone roofing material (stone slate) throughout Sussex and Surrey.

Leith Hill Stone Friable, iron-rich sandstone, originating in Leith Hill Greensand area and used as a vernacular building material.

Scarp slope A steep slope or ridge of rock

Shaws Strip of trees or bushes forming the border of a field

Weald A region in South East England, between the chalk escarpments of the North and South Downs.

Further Information

6.1 Surrey Hills AONB - www.surreyhills.org

6.2 Surrey County Council - www.surreycc.gov.uk

6.3 AGLV Study - www.molevalley.gov.uk

6.4 Surrey Nature Partnership - www.surreybiodiversitypartnership.org

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Appendices

Appendix 1 Appendices

1.1 Appendix 1, on the following page, provides a map of the whole District, illustrating the boundaries of all 12 Landscape Character Areas.

1.2 Appendices 2, 3, 4 and 5 provide maps of each individual LCA. To minimise file sizes, in order to facilitate electronic access, each Appendix is contained in a separate document, as listed below. The Appendices can be downloaded from www.molevalley.gov.uk. If required, additional hard copies can be requested by contacting the Planning Policy team on 01306 879281 or emailing [email protected].

Appendix 2: Thames Basin Lowlands LCAs:

Esher and Epsom Lower Mole Ockham and Clandon

Appendix 3: North Downs LCAs:

Box Hill Mole Gap Ranmore and Hackhurst Downs

Appendix 4: Wealden Greensand LCAs:

Holmesdale Pippbrook and Tillingbourne Reigate Greensand Leith Hill Greensand

Appendix 5: Low Weald LCAs:

Open Weald Wooded Weald

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