The gateway to Surrey will be forever changed after a huge housing development was given the green light. More than 300 homes will be built on the edge of Farnham, of which 96 will be affordable, as councillors at Waverley Borough Council decided to “get on and build some houses”.
The 320 homes plan in Coxbridge Farm, had previously been deferred in October after the developers were told to go back to the drawing board and return with an improved design - because the project close to the Hampshire border was “'too important” to get wrong.
The original plans, for the site that sits at the end of West Street near the A31, had roads leading straight to existing gardens. The changes, which were unanimously approved, have got rid of these and opened up space for improved cycle routes.
Ben Bailey, speaking on behalf of developers Cala Homes, told the planning committee meeting they had worked with residents to get the design for the former farm right. Cllr Graham White (Farnham Residents Group; Farnham North West) said: “We’ve reached a point now where we just need to get on and build, we’ve taken so long to get to this point.
“One of the problems in respect of the residents of Hazel Road is that they are in an elevated position and they are looking down on the site, on the rise of the site.. We have to be practical about this and make life as pleasant as possible for the people whose gardens back on to this development.”
He also praised Cala for being willing to adjust its plans. The Coxbridge Farm development will be built with timber frames and all homes will have air source heat pumps. There will be new public footpaths, a pedestrian crossing and bus stops on West Street, as well as an extension of the Public Right of Way that leads to Bishops Meadow.
The site will also include children’s play areas and a large equipped play space. Cllr Carole Cockburn (Conservative; Farnham Bourne) said: “It’s the biggest thing Farnham has had for a long time. We’ve got to get it right as we've said last time and we’ve got to protect as best we can the amenity of the existing residents.
"I can't see any planning reason for turning this down now, we've got to keep an eye on it, it won't go through without a few problems. It's large. The developer has done what we asked for the reason for deferral and I hope it works and I hope it's a very nice place to live. This is so much better."
Cllr White added: ”Let’s get on and build some houses.”
Speaking after the decision on December 11, Jessica Sparkes, Cala planning head, said: “This site will support the council with its housing requirement and provide much-needed homes for people to ensure housing availability throughout the borough. This consent follows the successful completion of several schemes in the Surrey area, such as Ockford Park in Godalming and Chestnut Fields in Woking as well as Rivermead Gardens, Alton and Worting Park, Basingstoke over in Hampshire.
“The proposed new community would also provide significant contributions towards local services and infrastructure. Receiving this approval is testament to our commitment to delivering sustainable developments, and the positive placemaking that our plans incorporate.”
