THE Farnham public will get the chance to have its say about the £100 million redevelopment of East Street in a series of consultations and workshops.

Sainsbury's and development partner Crest Nicholson Estates say they will announce the dates for the exhibitions, to be held in Farnham and some of its villages, within the next two weeks.

"We want to know what Joe Public thinks. We will try to put together a consultative group that will comment on the scheme," said Crest Nicholson regional director Terry Prescott.

Anthony Shapland, an executive at Sainsbury's Property Company, added: "If people have concerns about an aspect of the plans we want to know why." But he and Mr Prescott said any objections would have to be "fairly strong" for the developers to consider changes.

In a briefing to The Herald this week, both the development executives said they were not discouraged by the two-month delay to the agreement of a conditional contract with Waverley.

Last week we reported that the contract, which was scheduled for signing at the end of this month, will now not be signed until the end of March.

"We don't think of it as a delay," said Mr Prescott. "We're still spending a considerable sum to bring a scheme forward."

Addressing concerns expressed by Mayor of Farnham Dr Penny Marriott about flats proposed near the Brightwell Tennis Club being "too blocky", Mr Shapland said the flats are yet to be designed.

"What people have seen is a master plan. Designing the flats will be the last piece in the jigsaw puzzle."

He said the flats may have appeared "blocky" because of the aerial view of them shown in an artist's impression.

Neither Mr Prescott or Mr Shapland were able to envisage when work might start on the redevelopment, but they said it would take about four years.

They are currently negotiating with former cinema site owners Isis and Marlborough Head owners Greene King about acquiring land.

They are also talking with Farnham Youth Project and groups that use the Gostrey Centre about whether they would prefer to stay or be relocated.

Asked if he was worried about what might happen if the Liberal Democrats wrest power from the Conservatives, who agreed the development against Lib Dem opposition, Mr Prescott said: "We will meet with all political groups and want to work closely with whoever is in power."