Farnham residents are being urged to have their say on the town’s future as the deadline for public feedback on a new Local Plan fast approaches.

The Waverley Borough Council consultation, which closes on Sunday, December 8, will help shape development across the borough for the next 20 years.

It covers key issues for Farnham including housing, infrastructure, green spaces and transport.

Local Liberal Democrat chairman Stewart Edge warned that once the plan is confirmed “there will be virtually no chance to object to developments being approved, except on the details of developments.”

A major concern highlighted is the scale of new housing proposed by central government.

Mr Edge said: “There is a massive issue at present because the Government have proposed increasing the housing requirement for Waverley for the next 20 years by almost 150 percent above the current plan - 29,160 houses – adding more than 50 percent to Waverley’s population.

“Whether this number can be reduced will depend on arguments Waverley can make to the Government about building such numbers with areas protected (such as the Green Belt and AONB) and ensuring adequate facilities and infrastructure,” he added.

The consultation features more than 70 questions, although residents are not required to answer all of them.

“Whatever the scale of development, now is the chance to say what is important to you, whether it is open spaces, school provision, transport or anything else,” he said.

While setting out their own priorities, the Liberal Democrats said they would be supporting plans that address climate change and increase affordable housing provision, but stressed their main aim was wider public engagement.

Mr Edge said the Liberal Democrats, and other parties in Farnham , had “the overall desire to encourage as many people as possible to give their views on the plan”.

Cllr Liz Townsend, Waverley’s portfolio holder for planning, added: “The choices we make now will shape Waverley up to 2043 and beyond. Whether it’s about homes, transport, the environment or our town centres, we want to hear your views and work together to plan a future that protects what we value most.”

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on December 8 and can be accessed online at waverley.inconsult.uk/IssuesAndOptions.