This upland valley in the heart of the North Downs has always been considered special. Accordingly in the 1940’s it was decided by those who valued the landscape that it needed to be protected by its acquisition and inclusion in the Green Belt for the benefit of the community.

In 1942 with financial assistance from Surrey County Council and London County Council, Guildford Borough Council acquired the farm to secure its long term protection. Tyting Farm included Tyting House with its marvellous history going back centuries. It included a dining room which was believed to have been a chapel since 1300. The main house had been rebuilt in 1690 ! It was used by the Canadians in the Second World War and was then handed back to the Council after the war.

However, somehow it fell into disrepair and an historic property which would have been worth some millions today was demolished by the Council in 1957. With hindsight perhaps the considerations in making that decision may have been ‘short term’ ones.

Tyting House

The Coach House - was equally interesting and of course was equally demolished by the Council in about 1961.

The Farm House - was an old oak beamed period farm building which is still remembered fondly today by some locals and guess what ?.... was subsequently demolished by the Council.

The next part of the story…..

Listed as being of special architectural or historic importance and one of the largest of its type it was an outstanding example of a Surrey Tithe barn. The monetary value and its heritage value today would have been immense. Again demolished by the Council one might feel lost to ‘short termism’.

The Tithe Barn – See press extract.

Next chapter 1990 – 2005…

Today

It is important that the land is kept in agricultural use with a local competent farmer with a good track record of estate management (yes they exist and are interested) but a short term view of Guildford Borough Council is to market the land in lots to various buyers and risk losing forever this landscape as we know it today. The current marketing is unlikely to ensure an agricultural outcome equally a sale of the whole to an unsympathetic buyer hoping to landbank and then redevelop may also be considered by some as far from ideal.

The farm buildings maybe surplus and with the Lodge could perhaps be sold for conversion for residential or small businesses providing great care is taken to protect the landscape and rural environment. Some of the building it is thought would be best demolished.

If you are concerned about this area and recognise that short term decisions made now can damage our heritage forever please offer your support to the campaign by writing to the Council or your MP.

The Farm Land – According to a local resident the land, hedgerows, fences and many farm buildings were in pristine condition as a “model farm” until 1990.

The choice of tenant (subsequently prosecuted by the RSPCA and evicted) was not good. The Council as landlord for this period watched as 10 years of disrepair and neglect took place. Enforcing covenants were a low priority and rules of good estate management not followed. If the Council sell this farm with restrictive covenants can they be relied on to enforce these restrictions against inappropriate uses or development ?

The Council are now marketing at prices which will exclude farmers.