""Many people will remember that I spoke out strongly against the East Street proposals in a public meeting held in Church House during the Election Campaign. However since being elected I have held my own counsel as I hoped that the plans would be adapted to take account of the concerns of myself and many other Farnham residents.Sadly they have not, so it is time to go public once again with my concerns.There are many positives about the East Street plans. I personally love the idea of a cinema – even a seven screen one - and strongly support anything that helps improve leisure facilities for young people. But by the same merit I am disappointed that no provision has been made in the plans for a replacement to the Redgrave, perhaps working in partnership with the Maltings which does Farnham so proud.Broadly my concerns fall into two categories, aesthetic and practical. On the aesthetic side, we have a responsibility to get this right not just for ourselves, but for many future generations of Farnham residents. I was deeply disappointed the Woolmead is not included in the plans, and even more when Sainsbury’s decided to stick with their current building. Whilst I greatly value the commitment Sainsbury’s makes to Farnham with both its stores, I believe a new building would have greatly enhanced South Street. Instead the development will leave intact some of the ugliest buildings at that end of town.Why can we not be inspired by the more modest example of the development in Lion and Lamb Yard? Farnham has grown by incremental improvements over very many years. It has stood the test of time, and is a credit to Farnham’s history.There are also concerns about the underground car park, the flood plain and the height of the new buildings. Many worry about where the bowls club, established in 1924, will go.My biggest concern, however, is with traffic. Farnham is already gridlocked. 294 flats, a cinema with 1200 seats, possibly a new M & S, numerous cafes and restaurants will all drive more traffic to the centre of Farnham – yet anyone who has tried to drive in or around Farnham in peak periods knows that it is already totally gridlocked. If the new development is to be a commercial success, how will we cope with the extra traffic? Crest Nicholson are predicting their development will increase traffic overall by 10% - but I believe this to be a gross underestimate. We need to recognise that Farnham’s biggest challenge is its traffic.To solve this we need a 20 year traffic plan for Farnham. It should involve significant investment in public transport and cycling routes. We should also look at pedestrianising the Borough, one of the most attractive streets in Surrey, which is also one its worst stretches for carbon monoxide pollution.I would like to see Farnham blaze a trail as a town that moves from being dominated by traffic to becoming one of the greenest and most pleasant in the country. That way our built environment will finally match up to the challenge of our remarkable history.The East Street plans are a missed opportunity to put this right. Please Waverley, for the sake of Farnham, turn back before it is too late.""