The Farnham Board met on Friday 18 September 2026 to discuss progress on several infrastructure schemes within the town. Key topics included updates on the Farnham Town Centre Improvement Scheme, the A31 Hickley's Corner and A325 Wrecclesham Infrastructure Schemes, and short and medium-term interventions.

Farnham Town Centre Improvement Scheme Update

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the Farnham Town Centre Improvement Scheme. The report pack indicated that the Board would be asked to note programme projects that had been completed, including the development of a vision, the creation of an Optimised Infrastructure Plan, and the sifting of medium-term interventions into allocated projects. Other completed elements included the finalisation and installation of a Wayfinding strategy, the completion of a feasibility study, detailed design, and construction for the A325 reclassification, and the re-routing of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

The report also detailed the completion of 20mph Limits/Zones and speed restrictions in the Town Centre, Weydon Lane, and Upper Hale Road areas, along with the completion of the Riverside Cycle Improvement Scheme and the Borelli Cycle Improvement Scheme. The Farnham Local Cycling and Walking Plan (LCWIP) report, including an addendum, was noted as completed, with feasibility design for the initial phase of priority cycle and walk schemes underway. The Water Lane Roundabout project was also listed as complete.

Significant progress was noted on the Town Centre Improvements project itself, with a successful Waverley Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) bid of £3.25m secured. The report indicated that phases 1 to 13 were mostly completed, with final works progressing in stages 8a, 9a, and 10. Specific activities carried out since the previous Farnham Board meeting included resurfacing works during April/May 2026 for phases 9, 11, 12, and 13, completion of paving works in West Street (Phase 9), and the completion of The Borough (Phase 11) and Royal Deer Junction (Phase 12). Ongoing delivery of Castle Street (Phase 10) was also detailed, with specific areas of paving and the installation of street furniture mentioned. Communications efforts, including e-newsletters and business drop-ins, were also discussed.

Looking ahead to activities until the next Farnham Board, the feasibility design/development for the initial phase of priority cycle/walk schemes within the LCWIP was expected to be completed by October 2026. Further prioritisation of schemes for public engagement was planned, with public support required before bids could be made to Active Travel England for delivery stage funding. Scheme delivery in the local area from the LCWIP active travel programme was anticipated for the next financial year, subject to West Surrey Authority decision.

For the Town Centre works, ongoing delivery of Castle Street (Phase 10) was scheduled, with resurfacing planned to commence on 21 September. Raised tabletops and crossing points were planned for October, with potential traffic management required for the granite crossing point at the Castle Street/Borough junction. Resurfacing works for Phase 8a Victoria Road were also scheduled, with trial holes planned beforehand. Remaining paving works in West Street (Phase 9a) were provisionally postponed to January 2027. The installation of 'pinch point' lighting columns/CCTV and bus shelters were also noted as pending further site investigations and dates to be confirmed.

Farnham A31 Corridor Update

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the Farnham A31 Corridor. The report indicated that the A31 Farnham Corridor remained a priority for Surrey County Council, but that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) timings meant any local funding decisions would fall after vesting day. Surrey had requested flexibility from the Department for Transport (DfT) as they reviewed the Major Road Network (MRN) programme, as without it, the scheme risked falling out of the programme due to timing. Councillor Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of the Council, had written to the Minister regarding Surrey's position, and a response was awaited.

The report also noted that due to recent fatalities and serious accidents at Hickley's Corner junction, additional measures were being reviewed for the intervening period. Duncan Knox had stated that speed and red-light violation surveys had been carried out, and a review of street lighting, pedestrian louvres, and flower troughs for improved visibility had taken place. The success of school streets initiatives in Farnham and a recent successful Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) bid for £440,000 for improved pedestrian experience in the Highfield South School area were also mentioned. An action was noted for Surrey County Council (SCC) to consider how awareness of pedestrian distraction could be raised in consultation with Farnham Town Council (FTC).

Activities up until the next Farnham Board included ongoing discussions with the DfT and Transport for the Southeast regarding the Farnham A31 Corridor.

Short and Medium-Term Interventions Update

An update was scheduled on short and medium-term interventions. This included information on the Borelli Cycle Improvement Scheme, with construction complete and the footpath open to the public. Installation of signage, lining, and verge works were to be carried out during the Town Centre South Street closure, with planting by FTC and the potential provision of bat boxes from Ash Dieback felled trees. It was noted that Farnham Town Council had a section in the middle of the site, and ducting had been installed for additional lighting.

The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) was also to be discussed. Project summary scheme information was available on SCC webpage updates. Feasibility design for the agreed priority cycle and walk schemes identified within the initial LCWIP stage 1 plan and addendum was in progress, with expected programme stage completion in June 2026. Scheme design gateway reviews had been undertaken, including a member workshop. Consultation on feasibility scheme design options was to follow, and funding opportunities for the capital delivery stage were being considered. An action was noted for SCC to continue engagement with bus operators during feasibility design.

The report pack also detailed completed projects under the Farnham Infrastructure Programme, including the Wayfinding strategy, A325 reclassification, Re-routing of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), 20mph Limits/Zones and Speed restrictions, Riverside Cycle Improvement Scheme, Borelli Cycle Improvement Scheme, and the Farnham LCWIP report. The Water Lane Roundabout project was also listed as completed.

Activities carried out since the previous Farnham Board included planting of trees/shrubs/bulbs by FTC and the installation of bat boxes for the Riverside Walk Cycle Improvement Scheme. For the Borelli Walk Cycle Improvement Scheme, installation of signage, lanterns, lining, and verge works were completed, along with planting and bat box installation. Regarding the LCWIP, ongoing feasibility design/development for the initial phase of priority cycle/walk schemes was underway, with recent engagement on scheme designs undertaken with local area councillors. A Waverley Borough Council CIL funding contribution of £2m was noted to support local delivery of LCWIP programme schemes across the borough.

Any Other Business (AOB)

Under Any Other Business, the meeting was scheduled to discuss an HGV fixed camera. This camera had been fully installed and operational, with additional HGV warning signs installed along the A287 in Hampshire. In the 50 days since its installation, 1,301 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) had been issued, though some might be cancelled. More reliable data was expected to emerge after approximately six months. The Board was to record thanks to officers and contractors for ongoing engagement.