A DEVELOPER whose plan for 65 new homes in Farnham was thrown out by the secretary of state last year is seeking to exploit delays to Waverley’s Local Plan to force through its housing development.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick went against a planning inspector’s recommendation and he refused plans for the 65-home scheme, proposed by former Farnham Rugby Club developer Stax Developments on land between Bells Piece Leonard Cheshire Service in Hale Road and Farnham Park, in May 2020.

This was after Mr Jenrick concluded the scheme’s conflict with the newly-adopted Farnham Neighbourhood Plan did not outweigh its benefits – even despite Waverley Borough Council being unable to meet government housing targets at the time of determining the appeal.

However, with Waverley’s struggles to hit its target to build 590 homes per year in the borough having fallen even further behind over the past year, combined with ongoing delays to Part 2 of its Local Plan blueprint, Stax has again brought its Hale Road scheme to the table.

Farnham’s town plan will also carry less weight from April unless Waverley can meet its targets.

A Stax spokesman said: “People who live, work and visit Farnham are encouraged to find out more about the new development proposal – known as Farnham Gate – at an online event on Wednesday, August 18 at 6pm and give their views. The presentation will be hosted by the developers Stax Group, and architects DHA.”

Stax hopes to submit a new planning application in late summer 2021.

Visit facebook.com/hawthornsfarnhamdevelopment for information about the project and how to get involved. Register via Zoom (bit.ly/3lCQS66) or email [email protected] for registration details.