The Liberal Democrat won seats on both Waverley and Farnham Town Councils, along with wife Anne, who is a volunteer co-ordinator of the homeless shelter, Winterwatch. Its Redgrave home is earmarked for demolition in the current East Street redevelopment plans, which the Lib Dems voted against.
A chartered accountant who lives in Old Compton Lane, Mr Mansell issued a statement this week which underlined Lib Dem promises to review the redevelopment proposed by the Sainsbury's Property Company and Crest Nicholson and agreed by the former Conservative administration.
"Farnham people have had their say on East Street at the polls and now expect a scheme which reflects their wishes," his statement read.
"The height and density of the development is especially critical because it will affect the kind of town that Farnham is for generations to come.
"Farnham is recognised as one of the loveliest small towns in England. We want to see East Street improved in a way which fits in with the rest of the town and does not overwhelm it."
Declining to stray from his prepared statement, Mr Mansell, a trustee of the Rural Life Centre, Farnham Castle and Abbeyfield Wey Valley Homes, continued: "Our immediate tasks are to review the programme and to hold talks with the key commercial parties involved. The potential impact of additional traffic on Farnham as a whole is also very high on the agenda."
l East Street redevelopers say they have had an "enthusiastic response" from people who attended a workshop on their proposals.
Crest Nicholson and the Sainsbury's Property Company, who have been awarded a conditional contract by Waverley Council to regenerate East Street, held their second workshop at The Maltings last week.
It was attended by 18 people, representing organisations including the Farnham Youth Project, Farnham Youth Forum, Bourne Children & Youth Initiative, Lions Club of Farnham, Farnham College and Waverley Borough Council's Citizens' Panel, as well young people and families from Farnham.
John Carter, of the Lions Club of Farnham, said: "The scheme has moved on. The most important thing is the integration with the west side of South Street and this is beginning to happen."
Cathy Anwar, deputy head of Weydon School, said: "The scheme is clearly well planned and has taken on board what people have said in previous consultations. Traffic has been addressed as well as it can be, but the provision of youth facilities is still a priority."
The workshop was part of Crest Nicholson and Sainsbury's Property Company's ongoing consultation. The developers have set up a website: http://www.eaststreetregeneration.info">www.eaststreetregeneration.info