The closing statements have been given in a battle to build 83 homes within a gunshot of Farnham Castle.

Planning inspector Johanna Ayres has plenty of digest after wrapping up an appeal hearing for land between Old Park Lane and the University of Creative Arts (UCA).

Gleeson Homes lodged an appeal after their outline plan to build up to 83 homes on agricultural land was rejected last year by Waverley Borough Council.

There were some strong arguments on both sides during the hearing which began last Tuesday in the council chamber in Godalming and finished a week later online.

Councillors rejected the application last year amid concerns about the impact it would have on spatial strategy, the character of the area and residents of the new Abbey View estate.

And the latter featured heavily during some parts of the debate as Cascade Way and Keepsake Close – the latter being a quiet cul-de-sac with little traffic – being widened to become the access point for the proposed estate.

Robin Green, the barrister acting for WBC, said granting the appeal would result in a “notable change” with the verges on the aforementioned roads being reduced to allow room for a carriageway.

He said: “It would bring traffic close to the houses and there would be a very substantial uplift in traffic.

An artist's impression of Gleeson's plans for more than 80 homes south of Old Park Lane in Farnham
An artist's impression of Gleeson's plans for more than 80 homes south of Old Park Lane in Farnham (Gleeson)

“The disadvantages of the plan considerably and demonstrably outweigh the benefits,” added Mr Green after speaking about the estate’s impact on the “pleasant and relatively peaceful rural landscape”.

He said: “Although it lies immediately north of the Abbey View estate and UCA, the southern boundary trees mark a clear division between the countryside and the built-up area of Farnham.

“The introduction of an 83-dwelling estate within the appeal site would inevitably harm the rural landscape and its appreciation. The effect on views can be a material consideration.”

“The principal benefits are the provision of market and affordable housing,” said Mr Green towards the end of his closing submission.

“The council accepts these are significant benefits, but they are not so weighty, they tip the balance in favour to grant permission.”

An artist's impression of Gleeson's plans for more than 80 homes south of Old Park Lane in Farnham
An artist's impression of Gleeson's plans for more than 80 homes south of Old Park Lane in Farnham (Gleeson)

Gleeson Homes, represented by John Litton KC, believe the inspector should overturn WBC’s decision and grant the appeal because of the shortfall of housing in Waverley among other reasons.

And in the event the appeal is granted, parties involved in the case have taken part in a round table discussion on suggested conditions and Section 106 contributions.

Mr Litten said: “Farnham is a sustainable development and the appeal site is in a sustainable location relative to Farnham.

“Surrey County Council, the highway authority, described the indicative layout as providing excellent permeability for walking and cycling between the site and surrounding area particularly to the range of services and amenities in the town centre.”

Other issues raised during the hearing include the fault line that runs along the site and the impact development would have on treasured views over Farnham Park and towards St Andrew’s.

The final shots have been fired, now it’s a waiting game.