Farnham’s Neighbourhood Plan has cleared the final hurdle in its Herculean quest to be re-adopted by Waverley Borough Council.

An early review of the first Neighbourhood Plan, adopted in 2017, was triggered by a requirement to accommodate more homes.

The amended Neighbourhood Plan went to referendum on March 12, where it was backed by 95.5 per cent of those who voted.

The plan was subsequently adopted by Waverley Borough Council this week, and will now help decide planning applications in the Farnham area.

Councillor Carole Cockburn, who led the review, said: “The Farnham electorate gave a very clear mandate when they voted at the referendum. This positive approval triggered the long-awaited requirement for Waverley Borough Council to adopt the Plan.

“I am delighted this has now happened, and that going forward the plan will play an influential role in deciding planning applications in the Farnham neighbourhood.

“It has taken longer than we wanted to reach this stage but thanks to a fantastic community effort, we’ve made it. Everybody who contributed to the Neighbourhood Plan has every right to feel proud of their effort to shape Farnham’s destiny.”

Councillor John Neale, leader of Farnham Town Council, said: “I would like to pay tribute to Councillor Cockburn and the wide range of community groups who supported this successful referendum.

“I’d particularly like to thank the Farnham Society for a very well co-ordinated awareness raising campaign.”

Farnham Town Council is believed to be only the third council in the country to have taken a second neighbourhood plan through a referendum.

The adopted Farnham Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed at www.farnham.gov.uk/shapefarnham