Oxted: A Surrey Town at the Crossroads of Heritage and Modern Development

Introduction: Why Oxted Matters

Oxted is a vibrant and friendly town at the foot of the North Downs in East Surrey, surrounded by the Surrey Hills AONB, making it a significant location for residents and visitors alike. As 2025 unfolds, this historic market town finds itself balancing heritage preservation with modern development, whilst playing a key role in the proposed expansion of the Surrey Hills National Landscape designation.

Oxted’s Role in the Surrey Hills National Landscape

The national landscape stretches across a quarter of the county of Surrey and includes the chalk slopes of the North Downs from Farnham in the west to Oxted in the east. The town sits at a critical juncture as Natural England launched the notice period for the Surrey Hills National Landscape Boundary Variation on 21st November, with the notice period ending on 14th of January 2026. This designation effort, published by Natural England on 20 June 2025, represents a significant opportunity to enhance environmental protections for areas surrounding the town.

Community Development and Local Initiatives

The town continues to evolve with various community-focused projects. A new initiative designed to keep spending local has officially launched in Oxted, whilst CCTV is now live in Oxted and Hurst Green, a community-based system that aims to deter and reduce crime and antisocial behaviour. Despite recent challenges, including a planning appeal by developers Cala Homes against Tandridge District Council’s refusal of planning permission for 116 dwellings which has been dismissed by a government Planning Inspector, the town maintains its balance between growth and preservation.

Connectivity and Quality of Life

Its residents and visitors can enjoy all the advantages of the rural location, whilst benefiting from an excellent rail and road network, being only 5 minutes drive from J6 of the M25. The town grew and prospered into the thriving community that we have today, now bursting with cafes, restaurants and bars, fashion and homewares boutiques, ensuring that Oxted remains an attractive destination for both families and professionals seeking accessible countryside living near London.

Conclusion: Oxted’s Future Prospects

As Oxted navigates the complexities of the 2020s, it exemplifies how historic towns can embrace sustainable development whilst preserving natural heritage. The pending Surrey Hills boundary variation decision will significantly impact the town’s environmental protections, whilst local initiatives demonstrate community resilience. For residents and potential newcomers, Oxted offers a compelling blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and vibrant local culture that positions it well for future success in an increasingly urbanised South East England.