Green light given to 320-homes plan at town's edge

Plans for more than 300 new homes on the edge of a Surrey town have been given the green light.

The 320-home development in Coxbridge Farm, on the edge of Farnham, includes 96 planned as affordable.

A decision had been deferred in October when the developers were told to return with an improved design because the project was "too important" to get wrong, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Original plans had roads leading straight to existing gardens which were removed in an updated application approved by Waverley Borough Council's planning committee on 11 December.

The number of homes was also reduced from 326 to 320.

Ben Dale, speaking on behalf of developers Cala Homes, told the meeting they had worked with residents to get the design right.

Councillor Graham White said: "We've reached a point now where we just need to get on and build, we've taken so long to get to this point."

He said one of the problems for residents in neighbouring Hazell Road was they were in an elevated position and "looking down on the site".

"We have to be practical about this and make life as pleasant as possible for the people whose gardens back on to this development," he added.

He also praised Cala for being willing to adjust its plans.

Councillor Carole Cockburn described it as "the biggest thing Farnham has had for a long time" and said the council had to "get it right".

"The developer has done what we asked for the reason for deferral and I hope it works and I hope it's a very nice place to live. This is so much better," she added.

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