RESIDENTS in north Farnham got together to ‘campaign with cake’ to save a historic site under threat from development.

An appeal has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate to build between 96 and 102 new houses on a site occupying part of the medieval Farnham Old Park, near the top of Folly Hill.

The July 2 street party brought together more than 50 locals to show their support for the campaign and try the resident’s cakes.

Enid Kershaw’s rocky road went quickly as did the carrot cake, the chocolate brownies and many other offerings.

Residents were keen to share their stories of the fields: walking with their trusty dogs and enjoying the stunning view to the Hindhead Ridge on their Sunday family walk.

Attendees included Farnham Residents borough councillors John Fraser, Jerry Hyman and John Williamson and county councillor Stephen Spence. John Hurst, chairman of the Park View Residents Association was also in attendance.

The fields, visible as you drive up Folly Hill, provide a rural backdrop to the town. They belong to Farnham’s Old Park, the larder for the Bishop of Winchester and his castle folk.

The original folly of trees was used as a hide for hunting by Kings John, Henry VIII and James I. James I donated the first deer to the town’s burghers in an effort to deter poaching, a tradition that lives on as the annual venison dinner.

The campaigners believe the housing development, proposed by developers Bewley Homes and Catesby Estates, would also have an impact on the 500-plus year old Cromwell oak, the ancient well and many endangered wildlife species including rare bat species which make the fields their home.

Bewley and Catesby are two of the three developers who brought an unsuccessful legal challenge against the Farnham’s Neighbourhood Plan to the High Court, dismissed on Tuesday this week.

This followed 88 per cent of voters - more than 10,000 people - backing the plan in May’s referendum.

On hearing of the plans, Jennifer Scott, chair of the Upper Old Park Lane Residents Association, said: “Farnham’s Neighbourhood Plan shows where new houses can be best situated to make the most of existing infrastructure and minimise environmental impacts.

“This was agreed after five long years of Carole Cockburn, town councillor and her team working with the town’s residents.

“Retaining England’s unrivalled countryside, our native habitats and our rich history must be our first priority. For our children we should fight to retain Farnham’s rural charm.”

There is also growing concern regarding the impact that the proposed housing development will have on the creation of a roundabout on Folly Hill which will keep queuing motorists on a 12 per cent incline.

The campaigners believe it will worsen traffic along Upper Hale Road, already just 16mph during peak hour, and exacerbate traffic queuing on Folly Hill and Castle Street increasing the already polluted air of Farnham town centre.

Objections to the plans APP/R3650/W/17/3171409can be submitted before the deadline this Saturday, July 22, by email to [email protected].