EIGHTY-FIVE per cent of people do not want the proposed Farnham Rugby Club/David Lloyd Leisure centre built in Weybourne according to a survey conducted by local councillors.

Questionnaires seeking people's views were handed out at a public meeting about the contentious planning application last week. Of the 300-400 people who attended, 100 have so far completed and returned the forms. Another 50 were sent in by people who did not attend the meeting.

Reporting the results, the deputy leader of Waverley Council, Stewart Edge, who represents Weybourne and neighbouring Badshot Lea, told The Herald that overall 85 per cent opposed the combined leisure centre and new rugby club facilities. But 45 per cent could support facilities for the rugby club alone. Fifteen per cent of people polled supported the combined facility.

Mr Edge said the fact that opposition amongst those who attended the meeting was 80 per cent, against an overall figure of 85 per cent, showed that the representatives of the rugby club made a "persuasive case".

But the Liberal Democrat councillor added: "The majority of people want their local area protected by planning policy and are concerned about increased traffic, loss of green space and whether there is a need for the David Lloyd facilities."

Asked whether the survey results will have a bearing on the planning process - an application could go before councillors in early August - Mr Edge replied: "I think they will because the application isn't in line with planning policy so an overriding case has to be made. People are going to be aware of public opinion."

Commenting on the figures, Farnham Rugby Club treasurer Andy Rubio said: "I find that amazing. We knew we were going to get slaughtered at that meeting but we've got a broad base of support and 2,000 people have signed our petition."

Addressing residents' main concerns, Mr Rubio, who estimates that if built, the facilities and land would be worth more than £10 million, said: "None of the traffic will go through the villages. Our club is largely Surrey based and will come off the Hog's Back. Anyway, the Badshot Lea Garden Centre probably generates five times as much traffic and people don't complain about that.

"In terms of flooding, the site will be properly drained and as for lighting, there aren't any houses anywhere near where the floodlights will be."

Meanwhile, the Farnham and District Sports Advisory Council (FDSAC) has expressed its support for the Monkton Lane plans.

In a letter to The Herald, chairman Brian Greig wrote that the rugby club has outgrown its inadequate facilities, has an "outstanding" youth and coaching policy and that a 1995 report by the FDSAC found Farnham lacks indoor tennis facilities.

"The rugby club deserve better facilities and with the provision of additional indoor tennis in the town, the FDSAC strongly urge our local representatives to support the forthcoming planning application for David Lloyd Leisure at Monkton Lane," he wrote.