Badshot Farm Lane

The proposal relates to the construction of a new detached dwelling, located on Badshot Farm Lane at the edge of Farnham. The site occupies previously developed garden land associated with an existing dwelling and forms part of a wider parcel that includes an established equestrian use. While situated within the Countryside Beyond the Green Belt, the site is closely related to the defined settlement boundary, with continuous frontage development along the lane and good access to a wide range of services and facilities within walking distance. The scheme seeks to deliver a well-designed family dwelling that reflects the scale, form and materiality of surrounding properties, making efficient use of land in accordance with national and local planning policy objectives.

From a town planning perspective, the key considerations relate to the principle of residential development in an edge-of-settlement countryside location, the contribution toward housing supply, and compliance with the “tilted balance” given the Council’s shortfall in five-year housing land supply. The site’s sustainable location, previously developed status, and strong functional relationship with Farnham weigh in favour of development. In design and landscape terms, the proposal is positioned to consolidate the existing built form along Badshot Farm Lane without encroaching further into open countryside, maintaining the established urban-rural transition. The scale, layout and landscaping strategy—including replacement native planting—ensure the scheme integrates with its semi-rural context while preserving local character and avoiding coalescence between settlements.

Technical and environmental considerations include safeguarding residential amenity, ensuring compatibility with the adjacent equestrian use, and addressing ecological, arboricultural and heritage constraints. The site lies within the Thames Basin Heaths SPA buffer, requiring mitigation through SANG and SAMM contributions, while nearby listed buildings are sufficiently separated and screened to preserve their setting. Access is achieved via the existing driveway, avoiding new highway impacts, and the scheme incorporates appropriate parking, landscaping and sustainability measures. Overall, the development represents a policy-compliant, contextually responsive scheme that balances housing delivery with environmental and design considerations.