Cookie preferences
Toggle menu

Decision on local government reorganisation

The Government has confirmed that Surrey will move to a two-unitary council model following its review of local government arrangements. Read our full story and future steps.

Proposed deregistration and exchange of common land at Shalford Common

We are considering making an application to deregister an area of common land and to provide a new area of common land in exchange.

What we are consulting on 

We are looking to find out people's views on this proposed common land swap. As a result of this proposal, there would be no net loss of common land. 

This informal consultation process is separate to the statutory consultation process that would follow if we decide to submit an application to the Planning Inspectorate.  

Who we are consulting with 

We are informally consulting with the following organisations: 

  • Shalford Community Council 
  • Surrey Wildlife Trust, Shalford  
  • Surrey County Council (The Commons and Village Greens team) 
  • Surrey Archaeological Society 
  • Surrey Wildlife Trust 
  • British Horse Association 
  • Open Spaces Society 

We welcome any comments from any other interested parties on this proposal.  

Have your say 

If you have any questions or comments on the proposal at this stage, you can: 

  • email mark.appleton@guildford.gov.uk 
  • send your comments in writing  
    For the attention of Mark Appleton 
    Millmead House 
    Millmead 
    Guildford 
    Surrey 
    GU2 4BB.  

This informal consultation runs until Friday 12 December 2025. 

Public meeting 

When: 26 November at 5pm to 8pm 
Where: Shalford Village Hall 

Representatives from Shalford Community Council and any interested parties are invited to attend a public meeting about the proposed plans. 

Working collaboratively with Pearmain Pubs we will: 

  • present the proposals 
  • answer questions on the proposals 
  • enable interested parties the opportunities to comment. 

More information 

We are considering entering into an agreement for lease with Pearmain Pubs in respect of a parcel of land (approximately 808 square metres). The parcel of land is next to the Pearmain-owned Parrot public house in Shalford. This land would be used for car parking.  

We have identified a replacement parcel of land that we own near Pound Place in Shalford. This parcel is next to Shalford Common and approximately the same size (808 square metres) that we're looking to exchange.

More about this designated common land 

Currently the land is designated as common land. It cannot be leased for any other purpose, unless it is removed from the Common. It has not been in use for several years and is in a state of disrepair. 

Why we're considering deregistration of this land 

The deregistration of the common land would enable: 

  • the agreement for lease to be granted 
  • the public house being brought back into use and providing employment opportunities.  

Previous consultation 

We last consulted on this proposal in 2020 as part of a wider consultation about parking and access issues on Shalford Common. The majority of respondents supported this proposal that is now the subject of this specific consultation.  

What happens next? 

If we start a formal consultation, we will write to all interested parties again with a statutory notice. This will contain: 

  • details of how to view the application 
  • how to submit formal comments to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration during the application process.