Multiple bids have been submitted for the Woolmead site in Farnham, Homes England has confirmed.

The derelict space in the town centre has stood vacant since the former brutalist Woolmead House block was demolished in 2018.

After the deadline for new bids closed on Wednesday, November 26, the Government’s housing body confirmed that several submissions are now being assessed before a preferred developer is selected.

The site was remarketed after a previously agreed sale to a developer collapsed last year.

A spokesperson for Homes England said: “Bidding for the Woolmead site closed on Wednesday afternoon. We can confirm that we have received multiple submissions and are now in the process of reviewing bids before selecting a preferred party.”

However, Farnham has reached this stage before and, even if a new developer is chosen, there is no guarantee that construction will begin.

The scheme has already changed hands more than once, with many developers reportedly viewing the current planning permission as financially unviable.

Politicians have previously blamed a “broken” planning system for the lack of progress at Woolmead. Other major sites under Waverley Borough Council’s remit, including Dunsfold Park, face similar challenges on a much larger scale.

Berkeley Homes had projected a four-year build programme starting at the end of 2018, with completion due in 2021.

If a similar timetable were followed in future, assuming work begins at all, completion would not be expected until 2029 or 2030.

The Herald has led a sustained campaign to see the site finally brought forward for redevelopment.