COUNCILLORS in Farnham have called on Waverley Borough Council to provide scientific proof that new housing development will not harm the Thames Basin and Wealden heaths special protection areas.

The EU's Special Protection Areas (SPAs) directive seeks to safeguard the habitats of migratory birds and certain particularly threatened birds by restricting development within 5km of a designated SPA.

However, Waverley claims the effect of development on the two SPAs in close proximity to Farnham - the Thames Basin and Wealden heaths - can be mitigated through providing Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space.

For full story, see this week's Farnham Herald.