FOCUS Homes’ bid to build up to 43 new homes at Baker Oates Stables in Gardeners Hill Road will be determined by a government planning inspector this October, it has been confirmed.

The developer’s latest application to replace the equestrian buildings on the six acre densely wooded site in The Bourne with a housing estate was refused planning permission by Waverley Borough Council in June.

Members of the council’s joint planning committee criticised the site’s “dangerous” access and isolation from shops and other amenities, and 484 people wrote letters of objection to the council prior to the meeting.

However, Focus Homes immediately appealed the council’s decision and an inspector has now been appointed by the Secretary of State to determine the appeal on Tuesday, October 13 by way of a public hearing.

The hearing will commence at 10am in the council chamber at Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming, GU7 1HR. Any interested parties may attend and at the discretion of the inspector, give their views.

Waverley’s and the appellant’s statements, together with any other documentation are available online at www.waverley.gov.uk/planning by searching for reference WA/2014/2028.

*Another application, for 46 new homes in Frensham Vale just half a mile from the Baker Oates site, is also awaiting a decision by the Secretary of State after developer Bargate Homes appealed Waverley’s refusal of planning permission.

More than 300 people objected to the application in January, including the Frensham Vale Action Group which said the development would destroy a “beautiful” wooded environment.

To view the Frensham Vale application and appeal papers, visit the website www.waverley.gov.uk/Planning and search for application reference WA/2014/1890.