Conservation areas

Thorpe Conservation Area was (designated on 24 February 1970 and extended in an easterly direction 9 August 1984)

Thorpe Village has existed in some form since 672 AD when it was granted by King Frithuwold to endow Chertsey Abbey, and it remained dependent on the Abbey for many centuries (until the Dissolution).

The oldest existing building is the church of St. Mary, parts of which date from 12th century. Many buildings date from 16th century, and the village hall was originally a tythe barn.

Many periods have contributed to the character of the conservation area. It is characterised by a mix of farmhouses, cottages and more substantial residences, and the roads tend to be narrow and appear even more so in places because of the characteristic high brick walls which line them.

It is considered that this character at the heart of the village should be preserved, drawing a clear distinction between the historic core and the subsequent modern development.

•  Thorpe Conservation Area Map

Thorpe Conservation Area Review

Runnymede Borough Council is undertaking a review of the Thorpe Conservation Area. This will include looking at the history of the village, what makes it (historically) special, its main characteristics / key features, as well as a review of the current Area’s boundaries to check if they are still appropriate. 

This review has resulted in the production of a draft Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) that we are inviting comments on. In addition to comments about the document itself, we want your views on:

• What positively contributes to the Thorpe Conservation Area?
• What factors detract from the Thorpe Conservation Area?
• What opportunities are there to enhance the Thorpe Conservation Area? 
• Are the current boundaries appropriate? 
• If you have any other comments? 

A copy of the draft Conservation Area Appraisal can be found below.

•  Draft Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

Get involved and let us have your comments by Friday 21 February 2025 by emailing planningpolicy@runnymede.gov.uk

Or by post

Planning Policy Team,
Runnymede Borough Council,
Civic Centre,
Station Road,
Addlestone,
KT15 2AH

In addition, a public meeting featuring a presentation and question and answer session in relation to the CAAMP will be held on Thursday 23 January 2025 at 7pm at:

The Rutherwyke Room,
St Mary’s Church,
Church Approach,
Thorpe,
TW20 8TQ

If you have any queries in relation to this potential designation, please contact the Planning Policy Team via the email address shown above or by calling 01932 425 239.