An inquiry to decide whether plans for a Muslim funeral building should be built in Farnham will resume next week.

The Ismaili Trust turned to the planning inspector after their plans for a large funeral building at Farnham Park Cemetery were refused by Waverley Borough Council.

The six-day appeal hearing is finely balanced at the halfway point ahead of its restart with opponents acquitting themselves well during days of debate and cross examination in Godalming.

The appellants want to a create a large building, capable of housing 180 people and incorporating an area for body preparation, on a site next to St John’s Church off Hale Road.

The plot was designated as a Site of Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG) in the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan and has planning permission for a low impact woodland burial site.

The proposed funeral building in Hale Road would be served by a four metre-wide tarmac road, and objectors fear it could generate significant traffic
The proposed funeral building in Hale Road would be served by a four metre-wide tarmac road, and objectors fear it could generate significant traffic (Ismaili Trust)

The applicants believe their proposals fit the bill but opponents believe the building doesn’t meet the “local community use” missive as most of its users will come from London.

There’s also concerns about the impact the development will have on surrounding views and the walking route linking Farnham Park with St John’s Church and Hale.

The appellants have strong legal backing as they brought a large team to the Godalming hearing and secured the services of a top KC, while WBC have one witness and a barrister, in comparison.

There was some tough questioning throughout with the likes of Steve Tilbury (Farnham Town Council) and Cllr Catherine Powell defending WBC’s decision.

A visualisation of the Ismaili Trust's proposed funeral building at the new 'Farnham Park Cemetery' off Hale Road
A visualisation of the Ismaili Trust's proposed funeral building at the new 'Farnham Park Cemetery' off Hale Road (Ismaili Trust)

“The appellant says the land at Hale Road meets the Ismaili community’s needs – what about the needs of the local community?” said Cllr Powell in arguing the “strong reasons” for the appeal to be dismissed.

“The proposals do not represent any benefit to the local community. I have a map of the postcodes of those who ask you to dismiss this appeal and those who have asked you to allow it.

“These proposals are not for an all inclusive community use. It is for a single faith, with the site left locked and unused except during ceremonies.

“The nearest postcode for a supporter of the scheme is 40 miles away.”

Cllr Powell was also asked if she viewed the Ismaili Trust as “predatory” in cross-examination with Lord Banner KC shining a suggestive light on her planning record.

The first day began with opening remarks and statements from interested parties with opponents and supporters both speaking before a site visit to a property on Oast House Lane and a meeting with a neighbour.

Cllr Carole Cockburn and Dave Walter also spoke on behalf of WBC and the Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale, respectively, ahead of the council’s statement of case and cross examination.

The hearing heard that The Ismaili Trust have also had ongoing conversations with St John’s Church since the application was rejected with a late amendment being proposed ahead of the hearing.

The appeal will resume next Tuesday (Jan 14) with the spotlight falling on traffic and planning aspects.