Developer 'very pleased' after Waverley Lane 146-home scheme approved

146-home Farnham development approved despite residents' concerns

Planning permission has been granted for 146 homes on the eastern edge of Farnham despite concerns from neighbouring residents about landscaping, privacy and the long-term impact of construction work.

Waverley Borough Council's planning committee unanimously approved the scheme on land off Waverley Lane, west of Old Compton Lane, at a meeting on Tuesday, May 13.

The 31-acre development, to be known as Waverley Gardens, is being delivered by national housebuilder Miller Homes in partnership with Wates Developments.

The scheme will provide a mix of one to five-bedroom homes, including 54 affordable properties comprising both houses and apartments.

Alongside the new homes, the development will include a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) to the south-east of the site. The open space will feature walking trails, extensive landscaping and measures to retain existing trees and green areas.

During the meeting, residents and local representatives called for stronger landscaping measures and boundary screening to protect neighbouring properties.

Zofia Lovall, chair of the South Farnham Residents Association, said residents had put forward what she described as practical and low-cost measures to improve the scheme and reduce its impact on neighbours.

She told councillors: "Residents are requesting crucial improvements to protect the amenities of neighbouring properties and ensure the development fits into its surroundings."

Association treasurer Pamela Pownall said: "We accept this development is going to happen. This development could happen smoothly if the developer acknowledges and respects the neighbours who are most affected."

Cllr George Murray added: "It would be a shame if residents in this beautiful part of Farnham had to look at a building site for the next five to 10 years."

Residents also called for detailed planting and fencing plans to be secured through planning conditions, arguing that appropriate landscaping would help protect privacy and ensure the development blends into its surroundings.

Developers welcomed the committee's decision, saying the scheme would help meet local housing demand while providing new community facilities and green space.

David Brown, managing director of Miller Homes Southern, said the company was "very pleased" to have secured planning permission for what he described as a "well-considered scheme" in South Farnham.

He said the development would bring a range of new homes to the market while also enhancing local amenities through the creation of an on-site play area and adjacent green space.

Mr Brown added: "We are pleased to have received the resolution to grant permission unanimously via Waverley Borough Council's planning committee and would thank all engaged parties and stakeholders involved in the process."

Natalie Flint, development partnering and marketing director at Wates Land and Developments, said the scheme would help provide much-needed housing and new green space while delivering long-term benefits for the local community.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Construction work is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the first homes due to be completed by the end of 2026. A showhome is also planned ahead of the first residents moving in.