Conservation Areas are established under legislation dating back to 1967 to give local authorities greater control over development within them. There are about 20 Conservation Areas within the Borough of Reigate and Banstead. Chipstead currently has 3 Conservation Areas

1.  The Elmore Road Conservation Area

The first Conservation Area in Chipstead, was created in 1980 and included St. Margaret’s Church and Elmore Road. This area was expanded in 1990 to include The White Hart, Longshaw and Palmers Cottage

2. The High Road Conservation Area

This was also created in 1990 taking in Shabden, The Grove, Ruffetts and the north end of Markedge Lane

3. Walpole Avenue and Starrock Green Conservation Area

Chipstead’s third Conservation Area was created by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council on 6 March 2024 despite vocal opposition from some local residents.  RBBC concluded that much of the area had valuable Arts and Crafts style buildings that warranted protection.  This was despite much of the Area having previously been classified as a Residential Area of Special Character (RASC). 

The new Conservation Area is centred on an area of early 20th century houses mostly designed by George Blair Imrie. RBBC concluded that it was not only the houses that contributed to the character but also their associated gardens with their trees, shrubs and hedges.