In short
- Shalford is in Guildford borough and Bramley in Waverley, so planning sits with different authorities.
- Both villages have conservation areas and many period and listed buildings.
- Much of the surrounding countryside, including Chilworth and Wonersh, is in the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
- Low-lying plots near the Wey and Tillingbourne need care with ground levels and damp.
Two villages, two councils
Shalford lies in Guildford borough and Bramley in Waverley. That matters when you need planning advice: currently Guildford Borough Council for Shalford, Waverley Borough Council for Bramley. Surrey's district and borough councils are being replaced by new unitary councils, so check which authority handles planning at the time you apply.
Housing
Both villages have historic cores with timber-framed, stone and brick cottages, some listed and many within conservation areas. Victorian and Edwardian houses line the main roads, and twentieth-century housing fills out the rest. Older solid-walled cottages generally need lime; later brick and block homes suit silicone or monocouche.
Water and damp
The River Wey and the Tillingbourne meet near Shalford, and some plots are low-lying. Before re-rendering, check for any render bridging the damp-proof course and for raised ground levels. Replacing old cement render on a damp solid wall with a breathable system can help it dry. See render and damp.
The Surrey Hills
Chilworth, Wonersh, Blackheath and much of the countryside around these villages lie within the Surrey Hills National Landscape. Cladding a house in render there is not permitted development. See planning permission for rendering.
Questions people ask
Do you cover Wonersh and Chilworth?
Yes, as well as Shalford, Bramley, Peasmarsh, Blackheath and Shamley Green.
My cottage has cement render and damp walls. What should I do?
Have the wall assessed. Hard cement render often traps moisture in solid walls. Replacing it with lime can help, but removal needs care.