A government shake-up of planning rules could leave Farnham residents with less say over developments in their neighbourhoods, the town council leader has warned.

From October 31, householder extensions and developments of fewer than ten homes will generally no longer be considered by committees of elected councillors. Instead, decisions will be made by planning officers.

Cllr George Murray, leader of Farnham Town Council and the Farnham Residents Group at Waverley Borough Council, said the changes risk weakening local accountability.

He raised his concerns after attending Waverley’s planning committee as a ward councillor to speak about a residential extension in Aveley Lane.

At least ten residents had objected to the application, although planning officers had recommended approval.

Cllr Murray, who served as town mayor last year, said: “Objectors and applicants had a chance to speak in public and, in the end, it was a relatively straightforward case.

“A number of design concerns could be addressed through discussions between the applicant and neighbouring residents.

“And yes, there is a legitimate argument that the planning system should be quicker and more efficient, and that councillors should not necessarily have to spend hours considering every minor application.

“But efficiency should not come at the expense of local accountability.”

He said the meeting may have been one of the last occasions at Waverley when residents could attend a public planning committee and ask elected councillors to consider an application affecting their neighbourhood.

“That should concern anyone who believes that local democracy means more than simply casting a vote every few years,” he said.

“Local councillors are elected to represent those communities. Now, increasingly, those decisions will be taken without that public committee process.”

Cllr Murray said there was already an immediate test of what the changes could mean in Farnham.

A fresh application has been submitted for seven homes on land either side of Burnt Hill Road in The Bourne.

The previous proposal attracted more than 250 objections and was refused by councillors against the recommendation of planning officers.

The latest application, WA/2026/01709, is now before Waverley.

Cllr Murray said that under the new arrangements there would be no opportunity for a committee of councillors to debate the proposal publicly, meaning residents would instead need to make their views known through Waverley’s planning portal.

He said: “I would urge everyone who has concerns about this application to use that opportunity.

“Put your objections on the record. Make sure they address relevant planning considerations. And make sure your voice is heard.

“This is the last piece of undeveloped land in The Bourne. Once it is developed it will be lost forever.

“We are being told that the planning system needs to be faster and more efficient. There is certainly a case for reforming a system that can be slow and complicated.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

“But faster decisions must not automatically mean less local democracy.”