Agenda and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were reported from Cllr Merryweather, Mirylees and Mauluka.

To receive from members, in respect of any items included on the agenda for this meeting, disclosure of any disclosable pecuniary or other interests, or of any gifts and hospitality, in line with the Town Council’s Code of Conduct.

NOTES:

(i)              The following councillors have made a general non-pecuniary interest declaration in relation to being councillors of Waverley Borough Council: Cllrs David Beaman, Alan Earwaker, Tony Fairclough, George Hesse, Andrew Laughton, Mark Merryweather, Kika Mirylees, George Murray, John Ward and Graham White.

(iii)        The following councillor has made a general non-pecuniary interest declaration in relation to being a councillor of Surrey County Council: Cllr Michaela Martin;

(iv)        Members are requested to make any declarations of interest, on the form attached, to be returned to customer.services@farnham.gov.uk by 5pm on the day before the meeting.

Members are reminded that if they declare a pecuniary interest they must leave before any debate starts unless dispensation has been obtained.

There were no disclosures of interest.

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the Farnham Town Council meeting held on 30^th October at Appendix A.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 30^th October were approved with the addition of Cllr Woodhouse to the list of apologies, and the addition of “ and the removal of evening charges” to Resolution C60/25/1/1.

In accordance with Standing Order 10.1, the Town Mayor will invite members of the public present to ask questions or make statements.

At the discretion of the Town Mayor, those members of the public, residing or working within the Council’s boundary, will be invited to make representations or ask questions in respect of the business on the agenda, or other matters not on the agenda, for a maximum of 3 minutes per person or 20 minutes overall.

1 Ms Ionella Emmett addressed the Council and relayed comments from other residents, including individuals with disabilities who were unable to attend.

She commended the Council on recent initiatives, including the new Christmas lights and  Farnham sign, the success of the Christmas Market, and the £1 festive parking offer, which was said to have encouraged town centre footfall and support for local businesses.

She also raised concerns regarding the impact of current and forthcoming roadworks on access to the town centre and requested that the £1 parking scheme be extended until at least the end of July, to cover ongoing disruption, including anticipated works on Castle Street and school traffic. She also suggested that the Brightwells car park be made free for the duration of the works.   

Ms Emmett raised safety concerns about the Castle Steps which had been investigated by SCC officers but not fixed; about access to Farnham Park which was hazardous for pedestrians, and about parking access for people with disabilities in the Hart Car Park.

In response, the Mayor advised that car parking was not a Town Council responsibility but the budget meeting for car parking at Waverley Borough Council was coming up in January and he encourage a question be raised in that forum.

2 Mr Steve Hamilton, a business owner on Downing Street, addressed the Council regarding issues arising from recent works delivered through the Farnham Infrastructure Programme (FIP).  He expressed concern about the design and maintenance of new pavements, noting that a high proportion of space has been taken up by flower beds, loading bays, and crossing points which were felt to be poorly defined and impractical.

He said the newly installed surfaces already appear dirty and stained, including oil and diesel spillages outside premises on Downing Street and asked what long-term cleaning and maintenance arrangements would be put in place to protect the Council’s investment.  He advised, on behalf of businesses, the closure of The Borough and Downing Street, with required clarity on traffic diversions and the likely impact on traffic flow between North and South Farnham to avoid congestion and safety issues at key junctions, including Folly Hill and Castle Street.

In addition, Mr Hamilton expressed disappointment that the streetscape improvements had not resulted in a cohesive or heritage-sensitive appearance, citing the placement of large refuse bins and street furniture as detracting from the town’s character.  He suggested, if space allowed, that town centre noticeboards be installed at key locations to provide information about events and activities, particularly for residents who do not use social media. The removal of previous banner infrastructure was noted, and concern expressed that visitors and residents are often unaware of what is taking place in the town.

In response, the Mayor confirmed that street cleanliness was recognised as an issue and that  although Farnham Town Council was not responsible for street cleansing, discussions were ongoing with Waverley Borough Council, and trials had taken place using mechanical cleaning equipment and the Town Council was prepared to contribute  ...  view the full minutes text for item C71/25

To receive the Town Mayor’s announcements.

The Mayor reported on recent civic engagements, including attendance at the Civic Service held on 3 December at St Andrew’s Church, which was well-attended and a enjoyable occasion with the amazing Farnham Youth Choir.

The Mayor also reported attendance at a number of Christmas lunches, carol services, and church events, including delivering readings at services. He had also supported the Farnham Christmas Market which was a significant success.

Members noted the Mayor’s extensive engagements across the community during the Christmas period.

To consider any questions from councillors in accordance with Standing Order 9.

To receive the Budget report and agree the Budget for 2026-27 at Appendix D.

The Leader introduced the detailed Budget Report for 2026–27 at Appendix D to its agenda, following extensive discussion at Strategy workshops and formal review by the Strategy & Resources Working Group. Members acknowledged that this was one of the most challenging budget-setting exercises in recent years, shaped by inflationary pressures, uncertainty arising from Local Government Reorganisation, anticipated Community Asset Transfers, and increasing demand for services.

The proposed budget sought to balance prudence with the need to protect services, invest in the town’s environment and community, and ensure organisational resilience during a period of structural change.  Members discussed income assumptions, including sponsorship and service income, noting that targets were considered achievable but challenging. Concerns were raised about the scale of the projected shortfall and the potential impact on the precept at a time of wider cost-of-living pressures. Specific discussion included:

• The increase in funding for the museum and its long-term sustainability
• Costs associated with taking on green space and services from principal authorities
• Staffing pressures and the limitations of vacancy management
• Whether additional savings could be identified internally
• The need to balance financial prudence with continued support for voluntary and community groups

Members acknowledged that further clarity would be available in future years once the impact of reorganisation and asset transfers is known.

Having considered the report, the annexes and the recommendations of the Strategy & Resources Working Group, Council agreed that the proposed level of expenditure was appropriate and justified in the circumstances.

It was RESOLVED, with one abstention and no one against, that the gross expenditure budget for 2026–27 be approved at £2,205,030.

1        To receive the notes and any recommendations of the following Working Groups:

i)    Environment held on 27^th November 2025                Appendix B

ii)   Strategy and Resources held on 11^th December 2025    Appendix C

2        To receive any relevant verbal updates from the Culture and Business and Community & Wellbeing Working Group.

1            Environment Working Group

Cllr Brown introduced the Minutes of the Environment Working Group which had met on 27 November 2025 and considered a comprehensive range of matters relating to the stewardship of Farnham’s green spaces, allotments, cemeteries and environmental initiatives. Members received detailed operational updates from officers and reflected on both the pressures created by external infrastructure projects and the importance of maintaining high environmental standards across the town. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that responsibility is only accepted for assets that are properly designed, sustainable, and capable of being maintained to the standards expected by residents.

The Working Group had considered the recently completed “green street” rain garden installations delivered by Surrey County Council as part of the town centre works. Members expressed significant concern that, as constructed, these features were not operating as intended, were subject to flooding, vehicle overrun and soil displacement, and risked creating an ongoing maintenance and safety burden. It was agreed that Farnham Town Council should not take on long-term responsibility for these installations unless they are first brought up to an acceptable and fully functional standard and were fit for purpose.

Members noted that discussions with Surrey County Council and the project team are ongoing, with the intention of securing remedial works so the installations operate as designed.  Councillors expressed concern that, if defects were not resolved, responsibility would in practice fall to the Town Council regardless, as residents expect the Council to maintain the town centre environment. This would create unplanned costs, particularly for watering and maintenance, which were not anticipated when the scheme was proposed.

i)      It was RESOLVED nem con that responsibility for taking over the green street gardens from Surrey County Council not be accepted unless and until they were made fully fit for purpose, including the resolution of ongoing flooding and design issues.

The Working Group also reviewed the programme of external competitions and awards, including South and South East in Bloom. While recognising the importance of maintaining Farnham’s strong reputation in horticultural excellence, Members noted that Gostrey Meadow would be subject to extensive construction works during 2026, including the development of the new amenity building. Entering the site during this period was considered inappropriate and unlikely to reflect the park at its best.

ii)    It was RESOLVED nem con that Gostrey Meadow not be entered as a separate entry in the South and South East in Bloom competition in 2026.

2            Strategy & Resources Working Group

The Leader introduced the Minutes of the Strategy & Resources Working Group which had taken place on 11 December 2025 to consider financial performance, strategic risks and emerging priorities for the Council. The meeting took place against a backdrop of continuing economic uncertainty, rising costs, and the significant implications of Local Government Reorganisation. Members examined a number of issues requiring formal recommendation to Council, including the suggested budget, town centre infrastructure matters, parking initiatives, and strategic planning responses.

Members discussed concerns arising from the Farnham Infrastructure Programme, particularly the visual and  ...  view the full minutes text for item C75/25

To receive the minutes of the Planning & Licensing Consultative Group meetings held on 10^th and 24^th November and 7^th December at Appendices E, F, and G.

Cllr Laughton introduced the Minutes of the Planning and Licensing Consultative Group meetings held on 10^th and 24^th November and 7th December.  He summarised recent matters, including objections to the Premier Inn expansion based on the bulk of the design and its industrial nature, the refusal of the Centrum Business Park application by Waverley Planning Committee, and concerns regarding access and environmental impacts at land West of and opposite Old Compton Lane.

Licensing decisions were noted, including extended opening hours granted to a town centre convenience store, with members expressing concern about the potential precedent of this decision and its residential impact.

Cllr Beaman advised that the Planning Bill had just become law and would reduce the powers of planning committees.

To receive details of any actions taken under the scheme of delegation not already reported.

The Town Clerk reported progress on the procurement and implementation of a new CRM system from Abavus.

To receive from Councillors any updates on matters affecting Farnham from Waverley Borough Council and Surrey County Council.

Cllr Martin reported on the roll out of the new Integrated Care Board which would cover Surrey and Sussex and see Frimley and Farnham commissioning brought into Surrey.  There was concern that the new ICB would cover a population of some 3.4m population making it one of the largest in the UK.

To receive from Members any verbal reports on Outside Bodies where they represent Farnham Town Council.

1)     Cllr Hesse reported that he had attended the Farnborough Airport Consultative Committee and reminded Council that the new planning application was open for objections and comment until the end of December.

            He pointed out that the application was to increase flights by more than 51% from 8,900 flights to 13,500 but based on historic data he had researched the need for increases was not proven.

2)       Cllr Beaman advised that Stagecoach had now published revised bus timetables for when the Borough was closed.

3)     Cllr Martin reported that the Business Improvement District had run some campaigns in the run up to Christmas to increase footfall, and that its Rangers were doing a good job.

To agree the date of the next meeting as 29 January 2026 at 6pm.