A town in two halves
Caterham-on-the-Hill, the original settlement, sits above Caterham Valley, the newer town that developed after a railway line reached the area in 1856. The two halves still have a noticeably different character, one older and more scattered, the other denser and more Victorian.
Built by the railway
The line into Caterham was originally built to carry stone away from the area, but it opened the valley up to housing soon after, and the town's Victorian-era growth followed quickly from there.
A barracks turned housing
Caterham Barracks served as a depot for Foot Guards regiments from the late nineteenth century onward, before the site was eventually redeveloped for housing and leisure use in more recent years.
Council
Tandridge District Council, not Mole Valley, is the planning authority for Caterham, reflecting the town's position on the eastern side of Surrey rather than close to Dorking.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Caterham have two names attached to it?+
It's really two neighbouring settlements, Caterham-on-the-Hill and Caterham Valley, which grew up in different eras and kept slightly different characters.
Which council covers Caterham?+
Tandridge District Council, a different authority from Mole Valley District Council, which covers Dorking.
Nearby areas
Services
Useful local links
- Reigate and Banstead Borough Council – Planning — The planning authority covering Reigate and Redhill, a separate borough from Mole Valley.
- Epsom and Ewell Borough Council – Planning permission — The planning authority covering Epsom, a separate borough from Mole Valley.
- Elmbridge Borough Council – Planning permission and applications — The planning authority covering Cobham, a separate borough from Mole Valley.
- GOV.UK – Planning permission: when you need it — Government guidance on when planning permission is required in England and Wales.
- GOV.UK – Party Wall etc. Act 1996 guidance — Government guidance on notifying neighbours and resolving disputes over shared or boundary walls, relevant to attached garage conversions.
- Planning Portal – Garage conversion — National guidance on when planning permission is needed for a garage conversion in England.
- Planning Portal – Outbuildings — National guidance on permitted development rules for garden buildings and outbuildings, including height and coverage limits.