Introduction
Albury Parish Council represents approximately 850 electors across the villages of Albury, Albury Heath, Brook, Farley Green, Little London and Newlands Corner.
Parish councils were established in 1894 by an Act of Parliament, creating civil parishes separate from the church, which had historically delivered local services such as care for the poor, road maintenance and tax collection. Albury Parish Council was amongst the first to be created, holding its first meeting in 1894. From the parish records, meetings have been held regularly ever since, even through the two world wars.
What We Do
The parish council represents the interests of the whole community through public meetings, consultations and surveys. This enables us to:
- Speak on behalf of the community to Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council
- Provide services and facilities, particularly where we can secure better value than other providers
- Support community action and services provided by others, offering buildings, expertise and funding to help local projects
- Work in partnership with community groups, voluntary organisations and neighbouring parish councils
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey is undergoing local government reorganisation. Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council will be replaced by two new unitary authorities in 2026. Albury will fall within the new Surrey East authority, which will take on the combined responsibilities of the current borough and county councils.
Parish councils are not affected by this reorganisation - we will continue to represent our community and deliver local services as we do now. During the transition and beyond, the parish council's role as the voice of our villages becomes even more important, ensuring Albury's interests are heard by the new authority.
Our Services
Planning - We respond to all planning applications in the parish. While Guildford Borough Council makes the decisions, they must consider our comments. We listen to residents' concerns and represent these to the planning authority.
Highways and Footpaths - We liaise with Surrey County Council on highway matters, reporting problems such as potholes and following up outstanding issues. We have also funded improvements including bus shelters, clearance around the Tillingbourne, and footpath maintenance for the benefit of walkers.
Village Hall - We manage the village hall, rented from the Albury Estate, for community use. Commercial rates apply, with discounts for village societies and organisations. The adjoining Memorial Library houses the Parish Council office.
Recreation Ground - We own and manage the recreation ground at Westonfields, providing swings for older children and toddlers, an adventure unit, basketball net, football posts, picnic table, seating and adult fitness equipment.
Farley Green - We own and manage Farley Green, maintaining this open space for the benefit of residents and visitors.
Cricket Nets - We provide cricket nets at Albury Heath for use by the cricket club and the wider parish.
Grants - We usually set aside money each year to support local societies and organise an annual carol concert, with proceeds donated to a local organisation. Financial constraints have made that challenging recently - we are working to rectify that
Liaison - We facilitate liaison meetings with organisations whose operations affect the parish, enabling residents' concerns to be discussed and addressed.
Neighbourhood Plan - We have developed a Neighbourhood Plan for the parish following extensive community consultation. The final draft is now complete and going through approval - It will shortly be put to a referendum.
How We Can Help
If you have a concern - whether about planning, highways, noise, litter, overhanging hedges, common land or anything else affecting the parish - contact us. If we cannot help directly, we will point you in the right direction.
Contact the Parish Clerk at [email protected] or attend one of our monthly meetings.