THE principal of the Guildford College Group, which includes Farnham Sixth Form College, has defended the decision to release three former tennis courts at the college for a housing development.

A planning application by Taylor Wimpey West to build 14 homes has prompted numerous objections over the loss of sports facilities, as reported by The Herald last week.

But in a letter published on the letters page this week, the group's principal and chief executive, Mike Potter, refers to the view of Sport England that the tennis courts are disused, in a poor state of repair and that the LTA has confirmed that there is no strategic need for them to be retained.

The principal adds that the decision to dispose of the courts has the support of students, staff, the College Board of Governors and also the Farnham Educational Foundation.

It is not a view shared by Farnham Town Council, however.

Councillor Roger Steel, speaking at the annual meeting of Farnham electors last week, commented: "Farnham already lacks sporting facilities, and the town council is not very happy that we stand to lose another large playing area.

"We appreciate the college needs to generate funds, but there is no guarantee that the money will be spent on Farnham College."