Page 36 - Oxted Local June 2025

36 June 2025
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Oxted Local 
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Limpsfield Parish
Council Update
Surrey Hills Boundary Extension, Green Belt Concerns & Local
Government Reform
At the Limpsfield Annual Parish Meeting held on 8 May, Leader of
Tandridge District Council, Catherine Sayer presented a detailed update
on three key developments affecting Tandridge and Limpsfield: the
proposed extension of the Surrey Hills National Landscape, growing
concerns over the Green Belt and the emergence of so-called “Grey
Belt,” and the future shape of local government across Surrey.
Surrey Hills National Landscape Boundary Review
Natural England is reviewing feedback on its proposed extension of
the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now known as a
National Landscape). Encouragingly for the Limpsfield area, the revised
boundary includes land stretching south to Staffhurst Wood—an area
originally omitted, despite its natural value. This expanded designation
would strengthen protections for local countryside and connect
more fully to the Kent Downs National Landscape. Final decisions are
expected in 2026 after a statutory representation period later this year.
Green Belt and the Rise of the “Grey Belt”
Meanwhile, the government’s revised planning rules under the new
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) pose a potential threat
to local Green Belt land. Under the new policy, areas that don’t meet
three of the five core Green Belt purposes may be reclassified as “Grey
Belt”—land still green, but now more vulnerable to development. With
Tandridge under pressure to deliver 985 new homes per year, planners
are now reviewing “lower quality” Green Belt areas, raising fears of
creeping development into previously protected spaces. The lack of a
clear definition for “village” and “Grey Belt” has led to legal ambiguity
and an increase in speculative planning applications, even on high-
quality landscapes.
Local Government Reorganisation: What Could Change for Us?
The biggest structural change looming for Surrey is the proposed move
to unitary local government—replacing the current two-tier system
with fewer, larger councils. Tandridge, along with most other Surrey
districts, has backed a model of three unitary authorities (East, North,
and West Surrey). This plan would deliver cost savings and reduce
duplication, while avoiding burdening Tandridge with the heavy debts
accumulated by some western boroughs like Woking (£2.7 billion).
However, the changes carry risks: larger councils may dilute local
representation and community identity. Proposals for Reigate &
Banstead to merge with Crawley
have been strongly opposed by
Tandridge District Council. Shadow
elections are likely in May 2026,
with a full switch by April 2027.
Catherine Sayer stressed that
while reorganisation may bring
efficiency, local voices must not
be lost—and Tandridge should
not be made to pay for the
financial mismanagement of other
councils. As reform continues,
and the inevitable changes come
into force, the message is clear:
our communities must stay
engaged and vigilant to ensure fair
outcomes on a local level.
This year, Limpsfield Parish Council
will focus measures we can
undertake in the near future to
prepare ourselves for the changes
to come.
www.limpsfieldparishcouncil.
gov.uk
Honouring the Past, Celebrating
the Present: Community Spirit in
Limpsfield
Limpsfield was once again
adorned with flags and bunting
last month, both for Surrey Day
and to mark the 80th anniversary
of VE Day, honouring the courage
and sacrifice of those in our
community who played their part
during the Second World War.
The commemorations served not
only as a show of gratitude but
as a poignant reminder of the
freedoms we enjoy today thanks
to past generations.
As part of the celebrations, we
got to glimpse inside the Air Raid
Shelters; listen to some fabulous
live music and sing along to some
sea shanties with the Dockyard
Dogs!
Residents also had the chance to
explore the “Wartime in Oxted