WAVERLEY officers have pointed the finger of blame at councillors after the authority’s refusal of planning permission for a children’s nursery at The Waverley Arms pub was overturned at appeal last week.

As reported in last week’s Herald, a government inspector gave full consent for Perfect Start’s proposed change of use of the pub opposite Farnham station – after councillors blamed officers for basing their report on out-of-date air quality data in 2018.

Responding, a Waverley spokesman said: “Officers provide advice and recommendations to councillors to aid them in determining planning applications. However the council’s decision rests with members of the planning committee, taking into account officers advice as well as other related material matters.

“Members have training and are aware of their responsibilities in reaching sound planning decisions. Every application is determined on its own merits. In this instance councillors considered the officer’s advice and decided on balance to refuse permission.”