Farnham town centre's 159-home Centrum scheme to face public hearing

The future of a controversial plan to build 159 homes at Centrum Business Park in East Street, Farnham, will now be decided at a public hearing.

The decision comes after the developer appealed Waverley Borough Council's refusal of planning permission.

Developer CR Properties Limited has lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate against the council's decision to reject the scheme, which would see the phased demolition of the existing business park and its replacement with 159 new homes, together with landscaping, parking and access.

The appeal officially began on July 27 and will be determined at a hearing, giving both the developer and Waverley Borough Council the opportunity to present their cases before an independent Planning Inspector.

Unlike appeals decided solely through written representations, a hearing allows the main issues to be debated in person. The Inspector can question both parties on matters such as housing need, transport, design, infrastructure and the reasons behind the council's refusal before reaching a decision on behalf of the Secretary of State.

Residents who commented on the original planning application do not need to resubmit their previous objections or statements, as these have already been passed to the Planning Inspectorate.

However, anyone wishing to submit additional comments, or amend or withdraw earlier representations, must do so by September 1.

A resident opposing the development said: “It's important to have a hearing because it means that the inspector can hear the concerns of the residents.

"A hearing does allow us to speak up and confront the two arguments, which didn't happen in the planning committee.

"We're doing an independent audit on one flat for light just to check their model and see what results we get. We have spent thousands as they they had expert review of their light studies and they've had three reports. But actually nobody ever looked at the model they were using to do the studies."

The proposed redevelopment has generated considerable local interest since it was first submitted, with supporters highlighting the need for new housing in Farnham and opponents expressing concerns over traffic, parking, infrastructure and the loss of commercial space.

After the hearing, the Planning Inspector will decide whether to uphold Waverley Borough Council's refusal or allow the development to proceed.

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

The decision will be published by the Planning Inspectorate at a later date.