At a glance: Guildford Borough Council handles planning. Shere, Albury, Peaslake and Abinger Hammer are all conservation areas, and the villages sit within the Surrey Hills National Landscape. Check with the council before changing a frontage, choose natural, muted aggregates, and make sure the drive drains on site.
Homes and driveways
The villages are known for timber-framed and brick cottages, flint walls and larger country houses. Frontages are often small and close to lanes; larger homes outside the centres have long drives through wooded grounds.
Planning
- Planning authority: Guildford Borough Council
- Conservation areas: Shere, Albury, Peaslake, Abinger Hammer and Holmbury St Mary
- Landscape: Surrey Hills National Landscape
- Highways and dropped kerbs: Surrey County Council
Ground and drainage
The Tillingbourne valley lies between the North Downs chalk and the Lower Greensand hills. The valley floor can be wet, while higher ground towards Peaslake is sandy. Drives on lanes often slope, so water management at the entrance matters. See drainage.
What suits these properties
- Cottages in conservation areas: flint, buff or natural mixes; avoid strong or uniform colours.
- Country houses: resin near the house with natural surfaces further out.
- Wooded plots: mid-tones that hide leaf staining.
Frequently asked questions
Will the council allow resin in Shere?
It depends on the property and any Article 4 directions. Many period homes in conservation areas use natural-looking surfaces. Contact Guildford Borough Council's Design and Conservation team with your proposal before committing.
Which areas do you cover?
Shere, Gomshall, Albury, Peaslake, Abinger Hammer and Holmbury St Mary, in GU5.
Nearby areas
Shalford, Bramley, Wonersh, Chilworth
The villages south of Guildford along the Wey and Tillingbourne.
The Horsleys and Effingham (KT24)
East Horsley, West Horsley, Effingham and Great Bookham borders.
Cranleigh and Ewhurst (GU6)
Cranleigh, Ewhurst, Alfold and the GU6 villages on the Weald Clay.