FARNHAM'S MP, Jeremy Hunt, has spoken of an urgent need to find out from East Street landowners F&C "how serious they are" about proposals, revealed in The Herald last week, to redevelop the site themselves. "If it is just 'a spoiler', it will simply prolong the East Street agony," he warned of the plan promised by F&C's architects for a smaller scheme than Crest Nicholson's, leaving Brightwell Gardens, the tennis club and bowling green intact. "If they have a fully-costed, economically viable plan, let's see it, so that Farnham people can make their mind up on which option is the best way forward for a beautiful and historic town," the MP urged. Mr Hunt said the "apparant plans" have caused great excitement because potentially they could include the Woolmead, but do not appear to have done so. Also, the architects involved are Max Lyons' firm. "the same people who designed the Lion and Lamb Yard, which we all love". He cautioned: "Unfortunately there are drawbacks: firstly any cancellation of the contract - quite apart from any consideration of the effect on Waverley's reputation and business ethics - will cost Waverley a lot of money, something that would inevitably impact on Waverley and Farnham council tax payers alike. "Secondly, a planning application (even one granted approval) is not the same as an economically viable plan for the area - it is simply a request for permission to proceed." Architect Max Lyons, whose firm was involved with F&C in an unsuccessful bid for the East Street redevelopment contract six years ago, pointed out that at that time the F&C scheme included the Woolmead, which it owns. If the company receives planning consent for the scheme it is about to submit, it is "only logical" that they would consider redevelopment of the other side of East Street again, he said. "It is definitely not a spoiler,' he said of the proposal. "F&C, as a major landowner, have every intention of attempting to get planning consent and carrying this through. They want to see something happening and they think this is a more sensible scheme." Of the MP's comments regarding viability, Mr Lyons asked: "Is somebody telling us that the Crest Nicholson scheme is financially viable and will give Waverley a great return from their land? From what we have heard, the council don't stand to gain financially at all. "This scheme could be more economically viable than the Crest scheme. It would not need a Compulsory Purchase Order at all so long as the council goes along with it." The Crest Nicholson scheme was "not exactly rushing forward at the moment". "If this scheme was to go ahead, then that contract would have to be put to bed - that is between Crest and the council." Waverley Council leader Richard Gates said his utmost priority when considering East Street plans has been what is best for Farnham. "Clearly a contract is in place with developer Crest Nicholson, but our administration is always open to ideas. We have already requested meetings with those putting forward the new plans in order to understand better the drawing that has been received by Waverley and its implications. "Following these discussions, we would give any detailed planning application every consideration."
