Frequently Asked Questions

The Proposals

  • The proposals will deliver new landscaping of a part of the historic Clandon Park Estate through gentle reshaping of the land and new planting. The aim is to better reflect the original Capability Brown vision to enhance a natural landscape which has been eroded over time by modern infrastructure.

  • No. There are no new houses, commercial buildings, or permanent structures. This is a landscaping project only.

  • Clandon Park is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, recognising that the landscape has been fragmented over time. These works are part of a wider Conservation Management Plan to secure the park’s long-term future.

Heritage and Landscape

  • The project enhances the historic landscape rather than changing its use. It has been designed by John Phibbs, a nationally recognised expert on Capability Brown landscapes, to ensure it respects the estate’s history and character.

  • Most existing trees and hedgerows will be retained. Some poor-quality trees along the A25 will be removed, but this will be more than offset by new native tree planting and improved woodland management.

  • Once complete, the land will appear as natural rolling parkland, planted and managed to blend into the wider countryside. The changes are designed to look subtle and long-established, not engineered or industrial.

Traffic and Access

  • No. All construction traffic will access the site directly from the Merrow Park and Ride roundabout. Traffic will not be routed through the village.

  • At peak times, there could be up to around 50 lorries per weekday, spread throughout the day. This traffic level has been reviewed by Surrey County Council and is not expected to cause highway safety or capacity problems.

  • The landscaping works are expected to take no longer than three years, and will be carried out in phases.

  • Works will take place Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm only. There will be no weekend or bank holiday working.

  • Some short-term noise and dust are unavoidable during construction, but these will be tightly controlled. A Construction Environmental Management Plan will include noise limits, dust suppression, wheel washing, and road cleaning.

  • No. Construction will only take place during daylight hours, and no permanent lighting is proposed as part of the scheme.

Environment and Wildlife

  • The project includes ecological surveys and mitigation measures. Habitat protection will be in place during construction, and new habitats will be created as part of the restoration.

  • The site is in Flood Zone 1 (low flood risk). The proposals include sustainable drainage measures that will slow surface water runoff.

  • Clean soils are needed to gently reshape the land to restore the historic parkland contours. These soils come from other construction sites where they are surplus.

  • Yes. Only clean, inert, tested soils will be imported. All soils are regulated by the Environment Agency and tested before and during use.

  • Due to the soils being reused from other sites where they are considered surplus, they are categorised under environmental planning legislation as ‘waste development’. 
    This is not reflective of the quality or condition of the materials, all of which will be tested before use and regulated by the environment agency.
    The soils here are reused as a resource, not dumped as waste. There will be no rubble, household or industrial waste brought to the site.

  • Public rights of way will remain available. Where necessary, safety measures will be put in place to separate walkers from construction activity.

  • No. The land use will remain the same, primarily parkland and grazing. The proposals do not introduce new attractions or visitor facilities.

Public Access and Local Amenity

Planning and Consultation

  • You can give your feedback via this website – either through the form, by freephone or by emailing us.

    The feedback form can be accessed here.