Last week the Herald correctly reported developers had lodged planning applications for nearly 300 new houses in Farnham on land which is not allocated for building in the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan – and that they may well be able to get permission because ‘Waverley’ is not delivering the housing numbers specified in its local plans.

What you didn’t highlight is the crazy system which has led to this situation.

Waverley has granted planning applications to private developers well in excess of the numbers needed to deliver on its commitments.

The problem is developers have not built the houses for which they have permission.

Waverley have no control over when developers build houses for which they have permission – and yet the failure to build becomes a reason to override the local plans.

As a result, the careful process of assessment and consultation which led to the Neighbourhood Plan is ignored, and additional houses end up being allowed in the wrong places.

In Farnham, the problem is clear to be seen in the centre of the town – the boarded-up East Street site.

Permission for 138 houses was granted in 2018 which have not been built, despite the previous buildings having been demolished.

Elsewhere in Waverley, in 2018, after years of discussion, outline planning permission was granted for 1,800 homes at Dunsfold Aerodrome, but progression of this has been delayed as the landowner decided to sell.

The national government sets these rules and could change them.

Personally I think the only force that will work is financial.

How about charging double the local council tax rate, payable every month, for every house remaining not built after three years from when the developer was given permission?

After all, just like an empty home, a home undeveloped is one that should be available for someone to live in.

Unfortunately, as long as the Conservative Party receives substantial funds from property developers, the chances of such a change from this government must be near zero.

Stewart Edge

Farnham Liberal Democrats

Beavers Road, Farnham