TAYLOR Wimpey has promised to “look carefully” at the comments of residents following a consultation event at the Farnham Maltings earlier this month.

The house builder is finalising a detailed planning application for the design of its new 120-home development on the historic Beavers Road hop fields next to the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham.

Outline planning permission was granted by Waverley Borough Council in September 2015 setting out the principle of residential development on the site.

But several ‘reserved matters’ still need to be signed off concerning detailed design elements not approved at outline stage.

These were exhibited at the Maltings with residents, businesses, community groups and other interested parties given the opportunity to view the plans and question Taylor Wimpey representatives.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesman: “We were really pleased with the turnout, with around 100 people coming along to view and comment on our proposals.

“We had some very useful discussions with local residents, councillors and other key stakeholders and we will now look carefully at the comments we have received to make sure people’s views are taken into account as we finalise our planning application over the coming weeks.”

Thames Wimpey also emphasised that residents of the proposed development in Farnham will have access to their own area of public open space to the north-west of the development site, allaying concerns that this vacant field could also be occupied with houses in years to come.

The spokesman continued: “Our development will be designed to be in keeping with the character of the local area and the north-western section of the site will be safeguarded as public open space as part of Farnham Town Council’s vision for a wider green space buffer to Farnham Castle.

“As well as providing much-needed open market and affordable homes, we will also be making a significant financial contribution towards improving local facilities and infrastructure.”

Should the reserved matters planning application be approved, Taylor Wimpey hopes to begin work on the development in early 2017. The scheme would take approximately two years to complete.