Agenda item

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 environmental impact of standard plastic bins introduced within the Conservation Area. It was felt that these detracted from the historic character of the town centre and were inconsistent with the quality of the surrounding public realm. The Working Group agreed that more appropriate bins should be installed and that funding should be met from the existing Infrastructure Programme earmarked reserve.

i)      It was RESOLVED nem con that Farnham Town Council fund the provision of upgraded bins more appropriate to the Conservation Area from the Farnham Infrastructure Programme earmarked reserve and reallocate existing bins to other parts of Farnham.

The Working Group revisited the issue of rain gardens installed as part of the town centre works and reaffirmed concerns regarding their construction quality, functionality and long-term maintenance implications. Members were clear that these matters should be escalated formally and pursued with Surrey County Council to ensure that agreed design standards and performance expectations are met.

ii)    It was RESOLVED nem con that the ongoing concerns regarding the poor construction and performance of rain gardens be raised formally with the Surrey County Council project team and the relevant portfolio holder.

The Working Group had considered the Council’s involvement in the £1 after 1pm Christmas Parking Scheme, introduced to support town centre businesses during the festive period. Members noted that the scheme had commenced later than planned due to statutory advertising requirements but had been extended by Waverley Borough Council to the end of December. It was agreed that Farnham Town Council’s financial contribution should continue only on the basis previously agreed and not increase as a result of the extension. In response to a question from Cllr Jackman about further extending the scheme during the FIP works, he was advised that footfall data would not be available until the second week of January and FTC would require detailed information from Waverley Borough Council’s review.  Members also hoped the BID would also come forward with the experience of businesses during the subsidised period.

iii)  It was RESOLVED nem con that Farnham Town Council agree to continue its contribution to the £1 after 1pm Christmas Parking Scheme until 31 December 2025, provided that the cost does not exceed the amount previously agreed.

The Working Group reviewed the proposed Farnham Town Council response to Waverley Borough Council’s Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation. Members considered that the response accurately reflected Farnham’s strategic priorities, constraints and long-standing planning principles, particularly in relation to infrastructure capacity, landscape protection and sustainable development.

iv)  It was RESOLVED nem con that the Farnham Town Council response to Waverley Borough Council’s Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation be endorsed.

The Working Group had considered a motion agreed by Waverley Borough Council expressing concern over revised national housing targets and the implications for constrained rural authorities. The Working Group recommended that Farnham Town Council should formally support the motion and make its own representations to Government to ensure that local circumstances are fully understood.

v)    It was RESOLVED nem con that Farnham Town Council support the Waverley Borough Council motion on national housing targets and write separately to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to raise the Council’s concerns.

The Working group had received an update on the Gostrey Amenity Building Tenders noting the process had returned 11 tenders with costs higher than previously estimated, reflecting increased material and labour costs. Officers confirmed that further analysis would be undertaken and funding options explored, including CIL, grants, and borrowing if required.

Progress on Asset transfers was noted, including approval of Morley Road Recreation Ground and that the next tranche of transfers was going to the WBC Executive on 10^th February 2026.

3  Community & Wellbeing Working Group

Councillor Earwaker provided an update on the recent Neighbourhood Area Committee meetings which he attended as Lead Member for Community and Wellbeing along with the Mayor, and Cllr Beaman who represented Waverley.  He advised that children and young people’s mental health had been agreed as a priority area, with short- and long-term actions identified.  He also informed Council that the pilot would continue into 2026, subject to Surrey County Council confirmation, and the evaluation of the pilots was underway.  Council noted there could not be a one-size-fits all approach and there should be one arrangement where there were town or parish councils and one where there were no parish councils.  Cllr Beaman added a note of caution, saying that whilst there had been a lot of enthusiasm in the pilots, unless resources were made available enthusiasm from partners could wane.