Politicians Demand Action on Farnham’s Woolmead Development Stalemate

Politicians in Farnham are urging Homes England to take immediate action regarding the stalled development of the Woolmead site. The local Conservative MP, Greg Stafford, and members of the Liberal Democrats have voiced their concerns over the prolonged inaction that has left the area in a state of decline. The Farnham Herald recently initiated a campaign titled “We Mead Action: Sort Out Woolmead” to push for decisive measures to transform the space on East Street.

The site has been derelict for several years, leading to frustrations among local leaders. Greg Stafford characterized the current state of the Woolmead as “totally unacceptable,” emphasizing the urgent need for new housing in the region. “It has been derelict now for so many years and it really needs to be built on to provide the homes we need in this area,” he stated. Despite his attempts to communicate with Homes England, including a letter to the secretary of state, he reported receiving no responses.

On September 16, 2023, Mr. Stafford posed a parliamentary question regarding the site but described the response as “lacklustre,” suggesting that new planning consent might be required. He expressed concern that this would only prolong the delay. “This site is a prime opportunity and there are people interested in it. First, we need to get it tidied up with better hoardings,” he insisted. “But most of all we need Homes England to pull their finger out and do something about the land.”

Local council members are equally frustrated by the situation. Cllr Mark Merryweather, a Liberal Democrat representative from both Farnham Town and Waverley Borough councils, highlighted that ongoing delays could prevent Homes England from making a profit from the site. He noted that escalating construction costs have severely diminished its value. “There should be some sort of mechanism where Homes England can lose money on the site and it can go to other public bodies to get something built for the town,” he stated.

Cllr Merryweather criticized the idea of returning the site to the private market, arguing that it has not effectively attracted interest or development. “Sending it back to the private market where there is little interest in the site is not a solution,” he added. He called for a collaborative effort to address the challenges that have resulted in the current situation, noting that the private sector has failed to act.

The Liberal Democrats have indicated their intention to persist in seeking a resolution. They have not ruled out further demonstrations at the site, similar to the protests held in March 2024, while also pursuing behind-the-scenes negotiations. There is a growing consensus among local leaders that action is necessary, whether that involves creating student accommodation for the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) or implementing improvements to enhance the area in the interim.

Homes England has been contacted for comment regarding the ongoing situation, but no statement has been released as of yet. As the community awaits a resolution, the pressure mounts on the agency to clarify its plans for the Woolmead site and to take meaningful steps towards development.