Developer moves closer to building 320 town homes
PLANS for a 320-home development have been submitted to Waverley Borough Council showing ambitions to create new play areas, bus stops and footpaths.
The new houses are planned for land north of Coxbridge Farm, in Farnham. Having already secured permission for an outline of the development, Cala Homes has now submitted a Reserved Matters application, which is the next stage in getting the project built.
The development would consist of 320 properties, of which 96 are meant to be affordable. The development should be made up of one to five-bedroom homes, which would also be available to rent or with shared ownership options. Cala Homes says this means the development will be suitable for first-time buyers, families and down-sizers.
As well as the homes, the development would also include new public footpaths in addition to a pedestrian crossing and bus stops in West Street.
A public right of way to the south of the site that leads through Bishops Meadow to the town centre would also be extended. Additionally there are plans for children’s areas, including a large play zone at the centre of the site.
The developer has also pledged to provide an estimated £11 million in contributions for local services like GPs and schools.
The homes are set to be built using timber frames, a technique which the Cala Homes says could reduce energy use compared to a traditional masonry build. Each property would be equipped with electric vehicle charging points and residents should also have access to Surrey County Council’s Car club scheme, giving occasional access to cars on a pay-as-you-go basis.
There should be more than two hectares of public open space for new planting and the developer has said that wildlife-friendly measures such as hedgehog highways and bat boxes will be incorporated.
The site in question is already allocated for residential development as part of both the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan and Waverley Local Plan respectively. A public consultation was held in December that outlined what the scheme would deliver and give residents the chance to comment on the Reserved Matters pre-submission, and Cala Homes has consulted with the council and key stakeholders too.
Jessica Sparkes, head of planning at Cala (South Home Counties), said: “We’re thrilled to submit our detailed proposals for new homes in Farnham. These proposals follow the grant of outline planning permission in June 2023 and will deliver a key strategic site within the borough.
“The scheme will also build upon our success in the area – we completed a beautiful community, Folly Heights, in Farnham in 2021. This site will support the council with its housing requirement and provide muchneeded homes for people to ensure housing availability and affordability is delivered throughout the borough.
“We have engaged with the council, residents and local community groups to develop our plans to create a beautiful community with a wide range of tenure options, while assisting the council in delivering upon a major strategic site within the local plan.
“The proposed new community would also provide significant contributions towards local services and infrastructure. Additionally, we hope to deliver further support through our community pledge initiative and welcome local people’s thoughts and feedback.”