Farnham's roads and infrastructure could struggle to cope with further housing development, residents have warned amid growing concerns over traffic congestion and the town's future.

The warning came at a South Farnham Residents’ Association (SOFRA) meeting, where residents questioned whether the town could accommodate more homes without major improvements to roads and local services.

With West Surrey Council taking over local services in April 2027, concerns were also raised about whether Farnham's needs would receive sufficient attention.

SOFRA chairwoman Zofia Lovell urged residents to focus on the location of future housing rather than simply the number of homes being built.

“It is more a case of where you build those houses,” she said, questioning whether the town's infrastructure could cope with further development.

Pamela Pownell highlighted the long-running dispute over plans for 146 homes at Waverley Gardens on Waverley Lane.

Residents have challenged the development since 2014, raising concerns about housing density, parking provision and the loss of hedgerows.

After 12 years of campaigning, she said: “We feel we have done all we could.”

Traffic congestion was another major concern, particularly along Abbots Ride and Waverley Lane.

One resident described Waverley Lane as “a fairly narrow two-car passage”, questioning why 40-tonne lorries were being directed along it.

Tony Fairclough, speaking on behalf of West Surrey, warned that the new authority would face serious financial pressures, potentially leaving Farnham struggling for attention.

“We are the polite children that do our homework,” he said, suggesting the town could be forgotten while the council concentrated on problems elsewhere.

Farnham Town Council leader Cllr George Murray also stressed the importance of the town taking greater responsibility for its future as local government undergoes major changes.

The meeting ended with calls for closer cooperation between residents' associations, councillors and the town council to ensure Farnham's concerns are heard.

As one speaker put it, planning should not just mean housing developments: “It should be about the people that actually live there.”