RESIDENTS are anticipating proposals for the development of up to 50 homes in semi-rural Frensham Vale, after waking to the sound of a chainsaw on Saturday morning. The felling of mature Scots pines, which has carved a broad access into the woodland at 35 Frensham Vale, has been presumed to be connected to the interest of Bargate Homes Ltd in the 10-hectare site. In March, Bargate applied for a screening opinion from Waverley Council, signalling its intention to apply for planning consent for up to 50 homes on the land, which backs onto Edgeborough School and adjoins ancient woodland.. The screening opinion is the local planning authority's assessment of whether an Environmental Statement should be submitted with the application. Waverley's assessment was that one would not be required. The developer has also promoted the site as housing land in connection with Waverley Council's emerging planning blueprint. For full story, see this week's Farnham Herald.