PLANS for a new 189-home estate adjoining a green burial ground on land between Hale Road and Farnham Park have been revised after widespread criticism by the public.

Landowners PLOT (Farnham) LLP submitted its plans to Waverley Borough Council last July, proposing 189 new homes on land behind St John Church and the Farnham Park Hotel complete with 57 affordable homes, a creche or nursery, children’s play area and an on-site Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) to offset the development’s impact on the heathland surrounding Farnham.

However, the application received 279 public letters of objection to just 18 in support, and was also criticised by councillors including Surrey County Council cabinet member Denise Le Gal who expressed concern for children walking from the estate to school in Weybourne.

In response, PLOT has reduced its proposed scheme - which was itself a reduction on the 300 homes it originally proposed in 2014 - to 100 homes.

A further public consultation was due to be held on Thursday at The Six Bells pub in Hale Road between 12.30pm and 8.00pm, after The Herald went to press, explaining the changes.

Dominic Fryer, director of PLOT (Farnham) LLP said ahead of the consultation: “The site, which is very well screened and in a sustainable location, presents a real opportunity to help fulfil local demand for housing, as well as create a meaningful extension to Farnham Park.

“We listened to the comments and suggestions of local residents during previous consultations and made carefully considered amendments to our plans, including a reduction of units from 189 to 100.

“We look forward to meeting local people at the exhibition and hearing their comments on the new plans.”

Further information can be found online at www.haleroadhomes.co.uk. To view the original application, visit www.waverley.gov.uk/planning and search for reference WA/2015/1328.