The ‘soul of Farnham’ is said to be at risk from a six-storey housing scheme that campaigners warn will change the town forever.

On Wednesday (September 3), Waverley Borough Council’s Planning Committee was due to decide on the Centrum development, a proposal for 159 apartments on the island between Dogflud Way and East Street.

The scheme, submitted by CR Properties Limited, has been recommended for approval, but it has provoked fierce opposition from councillors, conservation groups and residents.

Campaigners, who were expected to protest at the meeting, insist they will do everything possible to stop what they believe will “destroy the soul of Farnham.”

Although the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan (FNP) allocated the site for 150 homes, critics object to the height and density of the buildings.

The developer has applied to construct two six-storey blocks, in breach of the four-storey limit set by the plan to preserve the town’s character.

A spokesperson for the Farnham Society said: “Some of the proposed buildings are six storeys, this exceeds the four storey limit defined in the FNP.

“The topography of the site and the nature of the buildings are such that the finished height is no higher than the Brightwells development.

“However, this a dangerous precedent which could lead to six storey buildings in future developments.

“There are other aspects which fail to observe the FNP, in terms of not responding to the character of the locality, exceeding the stated housing density, and no provision of the necessary infrastructure.”

Parking has emerged as another flashpoint. Statistics show that the average household outside London owns 1.29 cars, meaning more than 200 spaces would be needed for the development. The current plans allow for just 37 spaces.

One East Street resident said: “We understand the need for housing in Farnham for young people. However, none of these flats are for affordable housing.

“This is going to become a nightmare if it is built as there is not enough car parking spaces for the more than 150 people who are going to move in and it is on an island.

“The Woolmead eyesore is up the road has not been built on for years and not many people live opposite it. New houses should go there instead.”

Residents also fear their homes will be overshadowed. Some homes on East Street would be just 13 metres from the new buildings, with ground-floor properties left in near-permanent darkness.

A Waverley Borough Council spokesperson said: “The application is for the redevelopment of a brownfield site within Farnham. The report that the committee will consider, details the impact of the scheme on neighbouring properties.

“The application has been supported by a full viability assessment, which demonstrates that due to the cost of redeveloping a brownfield site, it would not be viable to deliver affordable housing.

“This has been fully reviewed by the council’s independent advisor on viability who has confirmed that the assessment is correct. In line with government policy, as the site is in a highly sustainable location, limited onsite parking is proposed.”