AN application to build 65 new homes at ‘Hawthorns Bells Piece’ in Hale Road has been resubmitted nine months after it was initially rejected.

The application proposes to demolish existing buildings on the site, located to the rear of the Bells Piece Leonard Cheshire Disability service, and replace them with up to 65 new houses, of which 26 would be affordable.

The plans also include a small public car park and access road, as well as the creation of open space to act as a SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) extension to Farnham Park.

An identical application made in January last year received 72 objections and was rejected by Waverley Borough Council, which stated the development would cause “material harm to the intrinsic character, beauty and openness” of the area.

Now developers Stax Ltd, responsible for the new Farnham Rugby Club development in Monkton Lane, have resubmitted the application, asking the council to reconsider their response.

But Farnham Town Council has already said it “strongly objects” to the plans, as the site is not included in either Waverley’s draft Local Plan or Farnham’s own Neighbourhood Plan.

“The would be significant negative impact on traffic and infrastructure arising from access to and from the site,” it added. “The development would have an adverse impact on coalescence of settlements, filling in the green gap between Farnham and Hale.”

The borough’s decision is currently pending, and residents have until Friday, February 9, to comment on the new application.

To view or comment on the application visit www.waverley.gov.uk/planning and search for reference WA/2017/2352.