Elivia Homes want to take out an ancient orchard and build 10 homes in its place, despite a previous commitment to retain and enhance it. We need your help to SAVE OUR ORCHARD.

I’ve lived in Badshot Lea for several years and have witnessed the changes to the green fields, hedgerows and overall landscape in North Farnham. I’ve heard it from neighbours who have lived in the area all of their lives. The last decade has seen an immense transformation that has greatly affected our local biodiversity. One of the few remaining bastions of nature is the ancient orchard at Barley Meadows, also known as Waverley’s Folly.

As part of their original planning application, Vanderbilt Homes (now Elivia Homes) committed to retaining and enhancing this precious precious orchard. However, now that they are nearing completion on 22 homes at Barley Meadows, they want to rip out this historic orchard to build an additional 10 homes. This should not be allowed to happen. 

This is not just about preserving a piece of history; it's about safeguarding a crucial habitat that supports bees, birds, bats and everything in between. It's also about maintaining outdoor green spaces for people to enjoy - something increasingly important amidst the rapid urbanisation that is being seen in Badshot Lea, Weybourne and North Farnham as a whole.

We must hold Elivia Homes accountable for Venderbilt Homes’ original commitment. We cannot allow them to destroy what remains of our village's natural heritage for short-term profit.

Fundamentally the proposed development is not in line with the policies included in the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan approved 2020, and covering the period up to 2032, which addresses the allocated identified housing required in line with Waverley’s Local Plan Part 1. The orchard was specifically mentioned as protected in that first application. 

The Elivia Homes’ website states:

‘This new chapter will see the business come together under a shared set of values and a compelling brand proposition 'Elevated Living by Design', reflecting a focus on design-led, quality-built and ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS homes in the most sought-after locations across the South East’ and: ‘The business strategy focuses on SUSTAINABLE development, driven by an ambitious land acquisition programme, investment in digital technologies, in-house design capability and a commitment to skills and training. Elivia Homes will pursue its sustainability charter by investing in innovative fabric-first design and offsite building methods, while continuing to maximise the BIODIVERSITY and energy efficiency of its schemes to ENHANCE THE COMMUNITIES in which it builds.’

Join me in calling on Elivia Homes to halt any plans that would see the destruction of Barley Meadows' ancient orchard. Enough is enough. 

Please sign this petition today!