Plans to demolish a large house opposite Farnham Castle and replace it with nine apartments have been recommended for approval by Waverley Borough Council planning officers.

The proposals for Foxhollow, on Castle Hill, would see the existing two-storey house and three outbuildings demolished to make way for a two-and-a-half-storey apartment building designed in the Arts and Crafts style.

The development would comprise seven three-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom flats, along with three garage blocks, additional parking, landscaping and solar panels.

The application has attracted four objections from nearby residents and one letter of support.

Objectors raised concerns about increased traffic around Castle Street and Folly Hill, pressure on local infrastructure, loss of privacy for neighbouring properties and the potential removal of mature trees.

However, Farnham Town Council, Surrey County Council's highways team and Waverley's heritage and tree officers have raised no objections.

Planning officers concluded that although the development would be larger than the existing house, positioning the new building further back from the road would reduce its visual impact.

They also found the scheme would not harm the setting of Grade I-listed Farnham Castle or the character and appearance of the Farnham Town Conservation Area.

The site is surrounded by mature trees, most of which would be retained and are now protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

The planning report acknowledged there would be some visual impact on the surrounding countryside, particularly during winter when the trees lose their leaves.

However, officers considered that providing nine new homes would help address Waverley's housing shortage, with the council currently unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites.

The scheme also includes measures to support wildlife, improve biodiversity and encourage sustainable travel.

A financial contribution of £10,546.90 towards mitigating the recreational impact of the development has been secured through a legal agreement.

One resident supporting the proposals said: “This is a high-quality, well-designed and sustainable development which will bring much-needed new apartment living to central Farnham.

“This sort of development should be encouraged; it is well screened and has mitigated all of the transport, ecology and other related concerns.

“We need more of this type of architectural design and enhancement to Farnham and the surrounding areas.”

However, another resident objected to the proposed building's height.

They said: “Clearly the height of the existing building was limited by the planning authority when it was initially erected for the above reasons, which are still valid.

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“On these grounds we strongly object to the height of this proposed building.”