Woolmead is one of the most important regeneration opportunities in Farnham and will have a lasting impact on the future of East Street and the wider town centre. Despite this, Homes England is progressing towards selecting a preferred bidder for the site without any meaningful public consultation with residents, local businesses, councillors, our local MP or wider community stakeholders.

Since the original bidding process commenced, there has also been a significant change in local planning policy through the introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy Exceptional Circumstances Relief by Waverley Borough Council. This materially changes the viability position of the site and fundamentally alters the basis upon which previous bids were prepared.

Many local residents remain concerned that decisions are being made behind closed doors on a scheme that could shape Farnham for generations. There is growing concern that outdated planning assumptions and commercially led proposals risk repeating mistakes already experienced elsewhere in the town centre, in particular Brightwells Yard.

Homes England has publicly stated that it is committed to supporting vibrant and successful places through collaboration with local leaders and communities. We believe Woolmead should be an example of that approach, not an exception to it.

This petition calls on Homes England to pause the current process and undertake meaningful engagement with Farnham residents, businesses, councillors, local MP and stakeholders before any irreversible decision is made on the future of the Woolmead site.

We believe Woolmead represents an opportunity for a genuinely local Farnham-led bid to come forward, shaped by residents, local stakeholders and SME developers (small and medium-sized enterprises) who understand the town and have a long term commitment to its future success.