FARNHAM Liberal Democrats have put themselves and colleagues on Waverley council under even more pressure to reduce the planned East Street redevelopment.

Grass roots members of the local party are calling for the number of flats to be reduced by more than two thirds.

They have just backed a report, drafted by several Liberal Democrat councillors, including some on Waverley, which calls for Waverley council and the developers, Crest Nicholson and Sainsbury's (CNS), to consider a development containing 100, 190 or 280 flats, with a "strong preference" for 100. CNS is currently bidding for 338.

The paper, drafted at a meeting attended by Waverley councillors representing Farnham wards, also calls for a larger town square, the removal of a proposed block of flats on the riverside, and the retention of the South Street Sainsbury's and "landmark" Marlborough Head pub.

It also requests talks with Isis, owners of the Woolmead, to see if the 1960s office block could be redeveloped during a later phase of the project. The paper also states the need for alternative theatre provision if the Redgrave is, as expected, demolished. The report, which has been sent to Waverley and CNS, effectively calls for a fundamental rethink of the proposed £100-million redevelopment.

Marie King-Hele, the county councillor for Farnham Central, who chaired the meeting, said: "We are determined to use this new opportunity to make the case against those who have pushed for an overbearing development."

The report puts most pressure on Chris Mansell, the Waverley Lib Dem councillor and East Street redevelopment portfolio holder. He said in a statement: "I welcome the fact that Farnham Lib Dem members are putting forward their comments. The more people in Farnham who contribute to the debate on what should be in the masterplan, the better. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend that particular meeting."

Referring to the Lib Dems' election manifesto, which committed his party to reducing the scale of the scheme agreed by the then Conservative administration, Mr Mansell, who represents the Farnham Shortheath and Boundstone ward, added: "I have no comment on the details that are being put forward, but the Lib Dem views set out in our manifesto are well known.

"Along with other Waverley councillors I shall be involved in making the final decision on the landlord's sanction to test the planning process once the current consultation has been completed."

Mr Mansell said the details of a further round of public consultation about the East Street redevelopment will be agreed at a meeting of Waverley's corporate overview and scrutiny committee on Monday.

He added that an information leaflet and questionnaire will be circulated widely and that displays of the redevelopment proposals are planned. Groups wishing to receive a presentation on the scheme are welcome to contact Mr Mansell on 01483 523333.

The key question is whether such large reductions to the scale and mass of the redevelopment would make it less attractive to Crest Nicholson and Sainsbury's. Waverley would also lose out, receiving less cash from the developers.

Terry Prescott, of Crest Nicholson, said: "The next round of consultation is currently being discussed with WBC and details will be announced shortly. During this consultation, as before, there will be many opportunities for everyone to have their say and all points of view are welcome."

But the Lib Dems' paper was welcomed by Eric Boyle, the secretary of the East Street Action campaign group. "The 100 option for flats is probably the only one that would really reduce the overdevelopment, you certainly couldn't go above 190," he said.