WAVERLEY Borough Council will ask councillors to “redetermine” a planning application for a new home in Old Compton Lane this week, on the advice of lawyers.

The council’s western planning committee refused the application for a two-storey, five-bedroom house on land behind Overwood House on March 29, after expressing concerns about its visual harm and the sustainability of the site.

This endorsed the views of the 14 neighbours objecting to the proposal, as well as the South Farnham Residents Association, the Farnham Society and Farnham Town Council.

However, eyebrows were when the application was re-listed on Waverley’s website as ‘decision pending’.

The council has since confirmed the committee will be asked to revisit its decision on Wednesday, June 7, because of the cost implications of a possible appeal against its original decision.

A Waverley spokesman said: “Following the meeting of the western planning committee on March 29 the council sought legal advice on the possible cost implications for the reasons for refusal.   

“On the basis of the legal advice received the application is now being brought back to the western planning committee for redetermination.”

The council’s decision has been met with dismay by one of the objectors, Robin Broadway, who in a letter to The Herald said: “The planning committee made the right decision in March: we urge them to stick to their guns on June 7.”