A Short Talk by Bob Evans
Saturday 5th September 2020: 2:30pm to about 4pm, on Zoom, £5 fee
A fascinating insight into an important element of preserving our local heritage.
Tandridge District Council has 19 Conservation Areas, one of which is in Chaldon. This encompasses the Church, Chaldon Court, the old farmyard, and Church Green with the older properties in Church Lane, including Glebe House (formerly the Rectory), and Court Farm Cottages and Keeper’s Cottage in Doctors Lane.
Tandridge’s website says:
“We designate conservation areas where we want to protect or enhance places because of their special architectural or historical interest. Conservation area designation helps us better manage change so the character of an area isn’t undermined.”
Former Tandridge Director of Planning, Bob Evans discussed the basic human need for conservation; the importance of continuity in the built environment; the origins of the conservation movement; current legal and procedural background and its effectiveness; and future changes.
Bob has worked for Westminster City Council and at Tandridge District Council for over 35 years until his retirement in 2011. Since then he has undertaken voluntary work in the medical sector; speaks regularly at local history societies; and is Chairman of the Nutfield History Group.
He presented by Zoom from his home in Oxted to the Chaldon History Group and guests.
After Bob’s presentation, Liz Bonsall and Madeline Hutchins showed a few old photos, pictures and maps to illustrate the Chaldon Conservation Area. This part of the presentation can be seen by selecting Chaldon Conservation Area Short Historical Tour in the page menu.
Walking Tours of Chaldon Conservation Area
Between Sunday 30th August and Tuesday 8th September, there were also opportunities to join a small group for a walking talk around the Chaldon Conservation Area to see the sights, and learn more about the buildings and the area’s history. These were led by Liz Bonsall and Madeline Hutchins.
The proceeds from the Zoom talk and the walking talks, after costs, were given to the Friends of Chaldon Church. The donation was £88.45