'Big need' for retirement village and 5G pitch on Badshot Lea fields

The head of a firm behind plans for a retirement village and 5G pitch in Badshot Lea has told the Herald: This has been a long time coming.

A battle worthy of any rugby pitch is building as Lamron Securities wants to create a mixed-use development on land west of Green Lane.

Farnham Town Council has strongly objected to the firm’s outline application with one councillor calling the proposals “confused”.

But Malcolm McPhail insists the Green Lane Meadows South development is “well designed and well researched” – and one that will benefit the town’s thriving rugby club for years to come.

“This isn’t an opportunist application – it’s been five years in the making,” said the managing director.

Varying forms of housing is proposed for around two thirds of the site, with a “leisure orientated” retirement village featuring a 70-unit care home and 12 two-bedroom bungalows in the pipeline.

A club house, bowling green and tennis court is also proposed along with 20 one-bedroom apartments and 17 open market homes.

The final third has been earmarked for a floodlit all-weather 5G artificial grass pitch. Farnham Rugby Club is therefore supportive, with Mr McPhail citing a “big need” for a facility in the area.

“The rugby club have been using the pitch here as a temporary training facility for ten years, on and off,” said Mr McPhail, highlighting the club’s four-figure membership and historic league standing.

“They’ve grown rapidly, but weather conditions have changed and grassy pitches aren’t always available all year round – there’s a big need for this facility and it will only be beneficial.”

Concerns have been raised about access to the proposed housing through the Taylor Wimpey estate and the loss of greenfield land around Badshot Lea. The borough’s shortage of housing supply land is mentioned in response, while talks have been held with SSE about relocating the power lines that cross the site.

Councillors have also previously asked for more information on drainage, flooding mitigation and sewage infrastructure, and have concerns about the development on local roads.

They and residents will get the chance to learn more next month, as an exhibition will take place from 4pm to 8pm in the Farnham RFC clubhouse on November 2.

“We’ve had feedback from Surrey County Council but nothing yet from local councillors, but obviously we’re happy to have dialogue” said Malcolm, who previously lived in Badshot Lea.

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For more details visit www.greenlanemeadowssouth.co.uk