THE fate of a proposed 43-home development at Baker Oates Stables in The Bourne hangs in the balance after an appeal hearing against Waverley Borough Council’s refusal of planning permission was held last week.

Focus Homes’ planned estate, and specifically its proposed access in Gardener’s Hill Road, was blasted by councillors in June for presenting a danger to new homeowners and existing residents in the area.

However, the developer appealed to the planning inspectorate to overturn the council’s decision and an informal hearing opened proceedings on Tuesday, October 13, with a decision expected by the end of November.

Present at the hearing was Focus Homes’ planning consultant Brian Woods, Waverley’s principal planning officer Louise Yandell, and Farnham councillors including Carole Cockburn, Wyatt Ramsdale and Kika Mirylees.

The main issues discussed at the hearing included the development’s impact on the landscape character of the area, the demand for housing in the borough, transport and highways issues and the location of the development.

A council spokesman confirmed Focus Homes’ proposed financial contributions towards highways and other infrastructure improvements in the locality were also discussed, as were potential conditions if planning permission is approved.