THE South Farnham Residents Association has vowed to fight Wates Developments’ renewed bid to build 157 new homes either side of Waverley Lane.

Last week the developer announced its intention to appeal Waverley’s refusal of planning permission for its proposed mix of one to five-bedroom homes spread across two greenfield sites known locally as Compton Fields.

In response, SOFRA has thrown its weight behind Waverley’s head of planning Matthew Evans, who ruled against the application on the grounds it would harm the character of the area.

Zofia Lovell, chairman of the residents association, said: “A refusal on the grounds of demonstrable harm to the character and quality of the area supports the principles laid down in the emerging Farnham Neighbourhood Plan, as the site was not included in the list of suitable sites for development within the plan.

“This principle also supports the true meaning of Localism in that it was supported and confirmed at public consultation. Farnham has taken a big step forward by suggesting suitable sites, however clearly this conflicts with the developers idea of democracy.”

Mrs Lovell added the number of public objections against Wates’ scheme quoted in last week’s Herald - 592 - was incorrect due to a “glitch” in the Waverley council website and should have read 1,192.

“This represents an outstanding demonstration of the strength of feeling, not just in the immediate area, but from the Bourne, North Farnham, Frensham, Rowledge, Moor Park, Elstead and Tilford,” she continued.

“The reasons quoted were on strong planning grounds and the community have reflected their objections in the two separate applications as the principles for refusal remain the same.”

Speaking to The Herald last week, a Wates spokesman expressed the developer’s “natural disappointment” at the council’s decision and announced its intention to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate by way of a public inquiry.

Mrs Lovell added: “Wates may well be very disappointed in the application decision and are prepared to throw money into an appeal.

“However they still have, as quoted on their own website, 2,500 acres of green land under their control. Perhaps they might like to consider building on sites more suitable elsewhere.”

To view or comment on Wates’ alternative applications for Waverley Lane, visit waverley.gov.uk/planning and search for WA/2015/0894 and WA/2015/0895.