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Background to the Farnham Infrastructure Programme

Background on the Farnham Infrastructure Programme

Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council and Farnham Town Council with the support of Jeremy Hunt MP are working together to tackle transport and infrastructure issues such as congestion and air quality in Farnham and its surrounding areas, including congestion and air quality. This is called the Farnham Infrastructure Programme, and the partners meet at the Farnham Board to drive the work forward.The aim is to help Farnham become a better, more environmentally-friendly place for those who live, work, study in, or visit the town.Since the Farnham Infrastructure Programme was formed we&rsquo;ve been developing proposals to:<ul type="disc"><li>reduce carbon emissions&nbsp;</li><li>improve the connections between Farnham&rsquo;s communities</li><li>support economic vitality and encouraging growth</li><li>improve life in Farnham with clean air, healthy lifestyles and less dominance of traffic on communities.</li></ul>Through the programme, we&rsquo;ve been bringing residents with us every step of the way. First with our vision consultation, and then we asked your opinion again as we turned the vision into our masterplan - called the Optimised Infrastructure Plan. Now we are coming to you with proposals for the town centre for your comments, as well as highlighting options for the A31 corridor.&nbsp;Programme visionIn 2020 a vision document was written, and people in town were given a chance to comment on it. The vision identified the issues in the town and considered what the programme wanted to achieve. This was summarised in a vision statement for the programme: &ldquo;Deliver an attractive, well-integrated, future-focused and high-quality infrastructure solution for Farnham that enables a connected and vibrant town, where people choose to live, work, study and spend their leisure time in sustainable ways.&rdquo; You can read the <a href="https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/237790/Farnham-vision-5.2.pdf">vision document</a> here .The Optimised Infrastructure PlanFollowing a consultation in February and March 2021, an Optimised Infrastructure Plan (OIP) has now been agreed. It identifies a Farnham-wide programme of solutions to the issues highlighted in the vision. This will help to ensure that Farnham can become a better, more environmentally-friendly place for those who live, work, study in, or visit the town. &nbsp; <a href="https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/278408/Farnham-Optimised-Infrastructure-Plan.pdf">You can read the final OIP here</a> .

Check out the following documents

Farnham-Optimised-Infrastructure-Plan.pdf

Farnham-vision-5.2.pdf

Find out more about the proposed changes to Castle Street, Downing Street, The Borough and traffic flows and give your feedback. 

Outdoor dining graphic

Town centre proposals

Introduction to the town centre

The town centre is the historic heart of Farnham. It has a dynamic economy with high quality retail, food and drink venues, and a unique heritage with the castle, conservation area, deer park and craft town status.However, its road layout is outdated and congested. The dominance of roads and vehicles negatively impacts the ability to travel easily, safely, and enjoyably around the town centre on foot and by bus or cycle, resulting in a less pleasant environment and a diminished sense of place.&nbsp;The Farnham Infrastructure Programme has two town centre proposals showing different ways to address this. They both feature wider and repaved pavements, supported by the removal of unnecessary street clutter. This means space for new planting, public seating and outside dining to make the town centre a nicer environment to visit and spend leisure time. More cycle parking in key locations in the town centre will help people to use bikes to get to town. The proposals do not prevent a wider pedestrianisation scheme being taken forward in the future.Proposal A is Castle Street and Downing Street, and proposal B is changes to the traffic flow and The Borough. You can read through both proposals and answer the consultation questions by clicking through the pages below.&nbsp;Proposal A: Castle Street and Downing StreetThis proposal involves making the temporary arrangements in Castle Street and Downing Street permanent alongside other improvements. Castle Street will stay two-way, but the road will be narrowed; while Downing Street will permanently become a single lane, one-way road. The changes will mean wider pavements for pedestrians, alongside space for outdoor dining, new trees and planting, and retailers&rsquo; deliveries.&nbsp;Pros<ul><li>Respects the town centre&rsquo;s heritage</li><li>Wider pavements for pedestrians, which are safer for people with disabilities or with pushchair</li><li>Space for more caf&eacute;s, pubs, bars and restaurants to have outdoor seating where appropriate</li><li>Loading bays for retailers to prevent the road becoming blocked</li><li>Improved appearance of the town with greening and new planting</li><li>No change to road capacity as it formalises the layout introduced during the Covid 19 pandemic</li></ul>Cons<ul><li>Limited benefits for the wider town centre as only improves Castle Street and Downing Street</li></ul>

Castle Street

Our proposal for Castle Street formalises the current layout introduced during the Covid 19 pandemic which narrows the wide carriageway at the southern end to create wider pavements. There will be raised pedestrian crossings between Long Garden Walk and the Giggling Squid, and at the bottom of Castle Street at the junction with The Borough. The bus stops will remain but will be located within the traffic lane rather than in a separate bay.On the eastern side of Castle Street, the pavement will be widened to create space for outdoor dining outside the Nelson Arms, and then south from the Giggling Squid to The Borough. On the western side, widened pavements will start at the bus stop outside the Castleton Dental Practice and then south to the junction with the Borough.The proposal includes:<ul><li>The potential for cycle parking outside ME Estate Agents, the Castleton Dental Practice and Bill&rsquo;s restaurant</li><li>Maintaining the existing parking spaces from just south of Long Garden Walk to Trueman &amp; Grundy estate agents</li><li>Taxi parking bays outside Alan Greenwood and Sons (or relocated to East Street or West Street)</li><li>New space for outdoor dining outside Pizza Express and the Giggling Squid</li><li>A loading bay outside The Castle Inn and part of Hamptons estate agents</li><li>Blue badge parking spaces outside the lower part of Hamptons estate agents, Gail&rsquo;s, and Caffe Nero.</li></ul>See below for a detailed map and to answer the consultation questions.

Downing Street 

The improvements to Downing Street are proposed to start from the junction with Long Bridge and Union Road and run along the length of the road to the junction with West Street. This proposal formalises the existing temporary road layout, so it will remain a single lane, one-way road with pavements widened wherever possible.There will be new raised pedestrian crossings on the western side, crossing Lower Church Lane and Upper Church Lane. The current pelican crossing will be removed and replaced with raised pedestrian crossings between Farnham Wholefoods and Smallbone and Sons, and between Lower Lodge Candles and Loaf.The proposal includes:<ul><li>Loading bays outside The Lost Boy, and outside Wallababies, Loncherie, and The Establishment</li><li>Wider pavements for pedestrians</li><li>Four new trees between the Ceramics Caf&eacute; and The Frame Centre</li><li>More space for outside dining if appropriate.</li></ul>See below for a detailed map and to answer the consultation questions.&nbsp;

Proposal B - changing traffic flow and widening pavements

This proposal will widen pavements and provide new and improved crossings around the town centre for pedestrians, alongside space for cycle parking, new trees and planting, and retailers&rsquo; deliveries. It will also change the traffic flow, so some roads that are currently one-way would become two-way. This would remove the need for some vehicles to circulate unnecessarily around the town.&nbsp;Pros<ul><li>Respects the heritage of the town</li><li>Wider pavements for pedestrians, which are safer for people with disabilities or with pushchairs, particularly in The Borough, Victoria Road, Union Road, part of West Street and parts of South Street</li><li>Shorter driving routes for some people, such as people from north Farnham using the Hart car parks.&nbsp;</li><li>New and improved crossing points at most town centre junctions</li><li>Raised crossings in The Borough, Victoria Road and Brightwells Road</li><li>Loading bays for retailers in The Borough and West Street to prevent the road becoming blocked</li><li>Improved appearance of the town with greening and new planting&nbsp;</li></ul>Cons<ul><li>Some displacement of traffic to outer neighbourhoods as shown in the modelling</li><li>No segregated cycle paths in the town centre</li></ul>Click &#39;Next&#39; below to continue reading and to answer the consultation questions.&nbsp;

Changing the traffic flowUnder this proposal, two-way traffic will be permitted along South Street, Union Road, and The Borough between Downing Street and Castle Street. The Borough, between Castle Street and the Royal Deer Junction, and Downing Street would remain one way for vehicles.Changing the traffic flow will mean some drivers won&rsquo;t need to drive as far around the town centre to reach their destination. For example, drivers travelling down Castle Street will be able to turn right and use The Borough and West Street to access the Hart car parks.&nbsp;Please see the separate briefing on Castle Street and Downing Street for the proposals for those roads.West Street and The BoroughUnder these proposals, The Borough will become two-way between West Street and Castle Street, and remain one-way between Castle Street and the Royal Deer Junction.Pavements will be widened on the southern side of West Street from Elphicks to the junction with Downing Street, and then along both sides of The Borough to the Royal Deer Junction. There will be signalised crossing points at the junction with Downing Street and at the Royal Deer Junction, but the existing pelican crossing in The Borough will be removed.There will be:<ul><li>Cycle parking outside SpaceNK and JojoMamanBebe</li><li>Loading bays outside Holland &amp; Barrett, Clarks, HSBC bank and Vodafone</li><li>Bus stops will be moved to outside Elphicks westbound and outside Salon Cabelo and Bloom eastbound.</li></ul>South StreetIt is proposed that South Street becomes a two-way road. The pelican crossing will be moved to just north of the exit to Sainsbury&rsquo;s car park, and there will be raised pedestrian crossings at the Sainsbury&rsquo;s car park exit, and the junctions at Brightwells Road and Victoria Road. The junction with Union Road will be controlled by traffic lights and will include crossing points.A northbound bus stop will be in front of the small parade of shops adjacent to the Bush Hotel car park, while the southbound bus stop will remain outside Sainsbury&rsquo;s but will be in the road, rather in a layby.There will be a new raised pedestrian crossing connecting Borelli Walk and Gostrey Meadow.Union Road and Victoria RoadUnion Road will become two-way until the junction with Downing Street and Long Bridge which will become controlled by traffic lights with crossing points. Victoria Road will remail one-way. Pavements will be widened pavement on the north side of both Union Road and Victoria RoadBear LaneBear Lane will remain one-way. There will be widened pavements all the way up to the junction with Park Row, with some cycle parking and raised pedestrian crossings.&nbsp;Transport modellingThe Farnham Infrastructure Programme has used transport modelling to assess the impact of this proposal and A31 corridor options. The models help the Farnham Infrastructure Programme team to observe, understand and make predictions about travel and transport.Please read the detailed traffic modelling in the document below for more information.&nbsp;Complementary measuresChanging the traffic flow and introducing traffic lights to some junctions will reduce capacity on the roads in the town centre. Therefore other measures will be necessary to help reduce the number of cars on the roads.A key way of doing this is by supporting and encouraging people in Farnham to reduce their car use, and walk, cycle or take public transport instead whenever possible. Please read our briefing on active and sustainable travel.Local area studiesIf the consultation highlights that people in Farnham would like this proposal to be implemented, the Farnham Infrastructure Programme team has committed to reviewing the modelling and looking for solutions to mitigate the impact of traffic displacement. There would be studies of both north and south Farnham.Possible interventions listed in the Optimised Infrastructure Plan include:<ul><li>Pavement widening and road narrowing</li><li>School safety zones</li><li>Increased 20mph zones, particularly outside schools and in residential areas.</li><li>Junction alterations, including Upper Hale and Farnborough Road, Alma Lane and Farnborough Road, and the Water Lane roundabout</li></ul><a href="https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/278408/Farnham-Optimised-Infrastructure-Plan.pdf">You can read the Optimised Infrastructure Plan here.</a>

Farnham Town Centre Plans - Castle St and Downing St.pdf

Castle Street 3D.pdf

Downing Street 3D.pdf

Farnham Town Centre Plans - Traffic flow and Borough.pdf

The Borough from Castle Street 3D.pdf

West Street and the Borough 3D.pdf

Town centre modelling information.pdf

Changes to traffic flows - town centre daytime.pdf

Changes to traffic flows - town centre morning peak.pdf

Changes to journey times - town centre morning peak.pdf

Changes to journey times - town centre daytime.pdf

Review the options for improving traffic flow around the town and give us your feedback.

A31 improvements

A31 Options

A31 options

Introduction to the A31The A31 is a traffic bottleneck which also splits Farnham in two, creating severance between southern areas and the railway station, and the central and northern areas of the town.&nbsp;For drivers, there&rsquo;s congestion right along the A31 corridor in Farnham. Therefore we plan to upgrade the Coxbridge Roundabout, and the Shepherd and Flock Roundabout with layout changes, traffic lights on some approaches, lane widening and better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, there are three options for an upgrade to the Hickley&rsquo;s Corner junction.&nbsp;For pedestrians, we want to improve crossings to minimise the severance between the different parts of the town for people who walk, cycle or use public transport.Department for Transport fundingThe cost of the A31 improvements is more than the Farnham Infrastructure Programme partners can afford alone. Therefore, an application is being made for funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).&nbsp;To help develop and support our funding submission, we&rsquo;re asking for feedback on the options, however there will be a full public consultation on the A31 corridor before any final plans are submitted to the DfT.If the plans are approved at each stage, the process is:<ol><li>Submit a Strategic Outline Business Case to DfT. This was completed in November 2021, and the funding decision is expected by autumn 2022.</li><li>Submit an Outline Business Case. This will include more detailed designs, and impacts on traffic across the town, pedestrians, cyclists and the environment will be assessed in more detail, along with a public consultation. We expect to submit this in&nbsp;summer 2023.</li><li>Submit the Final Business Case &ndash; the DfT&rsquo;s final decision on whether to fund the scheme is based on this. It will include final detailed designs and costs. We expect to submit this between late 2023 and early 2024.</li></ol>If funding for the scheme is agreed by the DfT, the earliest construction could begin is in winter 2024.Click &#39;Next&#39; to keep reading and to answer the consultation questions.&nbsp;

Coxbridge roundaboutThe suggested improvements will see better walking and cycling paths and crossings, linking with existing routes and the town centre. For drivers there will be wider approaches from both eastbound and westbound on the A31 and the town centre. The roundabout will be widened to allow for a decided left turn lane off the roundabout in both directions and two dedicated lanes for A31 traffic.&nbsp;

Check out the following document

Shepherd and Flock roundaboutThe suggested improvements will see better walking and cycling paths and crossings, linking with existing routes by going through the centre of the roundabout. For drivers there will be an extra lane for drivers travelling westbound on the A31 to increase road capacity for long-distance traffic, with additional traffic light controls. Any changes will be sympathetic to the conservation area.&nbsp;

Hickley&#39;s CornerUnderpassThis option is for an underpass underneath Hickley&rsquo;s Corner to separate local and longer distance traffic. This is a long-standing suggestion to improve congestion.&nbsp;The crossroads would be replaced by a roundabout to take the local traffic, while the A31 would be able to run freely underneath. New slip roads will connect the A31 to the roundabout, Station Hill and South Street. There would also be a new priority link along Station Approach to connect the A287 and A31.This would be supported by improved facilities for walkers and cyclists and a new bridge at Firgrove Hill.Firgrove Hill ImprovementsThis option will take some of the pressure off the Hickley&rsquo;s Corner junction by providing an additional connection to and from the A31 at Firgrove Hill.&nbsp;New slip roads on the westbound carriageway would link to a new roundabout in Station Approach with access to the station, and to Firgrove Hill to access other parts of the town.&nbsp;From the eastbound carriageway, new slip roads would lead to a roundabout at Firgrove Hill.The Firgrove Hill bridge would be upgraded so it can take extra lanes on the A31 and would be supported by improved facilities for walkers and cyclists.&nbsp;Improving the existing junction This option widens the A31 in both directions with additional lanes. There would be the opportunity to upgrade Station Approach, and no change would be necessary to the bridge at Firgrove Hill. &nbsp; Additional lanes would allow for a dedicated left turn lane which would allow more queuing capacity. The capacity would allow for more time for pedestrians, cyclists and cars travelling across the A31 to make local journeys.Modelling&nbsp;Work on the A31 corridor is being considered alongside the town centre proposals to ensure they complement each other.

Town centre and A31 modelling information.pdf

Changes to traffic flows - town centre and A31 morning peak.pdf

Changes to traffic flows - town centre and A31 daytime.pdf

Changes to journey times - town centre and A31 daytime.pdf

Changes to journey times - town centre and A31 morning peak.pdf

Coxbridge roundabout.pdf

Shepherd and Flock roundabout.pdf

Hickley's Corner - Underpass.pdf

Hickley's Corner - Improving the exisiting junction.pdf

Hickley's Corner and Firgrove Hill improvements.pdf

Find out more about proposals to make active and sustainable travel options in Farnham easier.

Active and sustainable travel

Cycling and walking 

Crucial to solving the congestion issues in Farnham, responding to the climate emergency and being able to deliver improvements to the town centre is a reduction in car journeys.This means rather than driving around town, we would like people to walk, cycle or use public transport whenever possible. Fewer car journeys are one way to reduce any displacement of traffic from the town centre to other parts of the town.There are a number of ways that Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council and Farnham Town Council are working to help people in the town to leave their cars at home and use active and sustainable ways to get around.Short- and-medium term interventionsThe programme has already started to change how we use roads, to help make them safer for pedestrians and cyclists. This includes HGV restrictions in Castle Street and Upper Hale Road and the reclassification of the A325 to discourage unnecessary through traffic. There will be 20mph speed limits in parts of the town later this year, with an intention to extend this to more roads over the coming years. Our new wayfinding work is looking to improve signage to help people walk around the town centre.Through the programme&rsquo;s medium-term interventions project, a number of schemes to support active and sustainable travel are being considered. They are:&nbsp;<ol><li>Borelli Walk Park and Stride: walking and cycling improvements along the River Wey from the riverside car park to South Street.</li><li>Scholars Greenway: walking and cycling improvements within Farnham Park</li><li>Eastern Border Path/Hale Trail: walking and cycling improvements within Farnham Park</li><li>New bike shelters, secure bike parking and e-bike charging in appropriate locations across the town</li><li>Additional CCTV for pedestrian safety</li><li>Gardeners Hill Road - walking and cycling improvements between Sandrock Hill and Baker Oats Drive</li><li>Improved signage to support access to schools</li></ol>The other medium-term interventions are: extending the 30mph limit on Odiham Road to the junction with Old Park Lane bridleway, A325/Water Lane Roundabout traffic flow improvements and a review of speed limits along rest of A287.20mph zonesFollowing a Traffic Regulatory Order consultation last year, we are currently preparing for the installation of the 20mph speed limit in the town centre, Weydon Lane and Upper Hale Road, with associated traffic calming measures in Upper Hale Road.&nbsp;Following feedback from the consultation process the Farnham Infrastructure Programme has decided to take a phased approach to implementation of the 20mph limit/zone. A second phase will address the wider feedback from the original consultation including a review of the A287, which is part of the programme&#39;s medium term interventions project. Then a third phase could examine the 20mph Farnham town concept.Walking and cycling plansA Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) is a long-term strategy for developing walking and cycling routes, and the programme is developing a specific one for Farnham. Engagement has begun with local councillors and key interest groups.We want the Farnham LCWIP to support the development of a comprehensive cycle and walking network which is easily accessible, safe, direct, coherent and attractive. We want it to connect Farnham&rsquo;s neighbourhoods with each other, and those neighbourhoods with the town centre, supporting active travel and making it easier for people to leave the car at home when they can.It&rsquo;s also important that the Farnham plan complements a Waverley-wide LCWIP and one being developed for Rushmoor which covers Aldershot. That means we can help to create a coherent network not just in the town, but surrounding communities. Any proposals will be complimentary to the other projects we have within the programme.Cycling in Farnham town centreThe LCWIP is about creating ways to get people around the town and into the town centre on safe routes, while the consultation proposals look to provide cycle parking in helpful locations for people as they arrive in the town centre.The historic nature of Farnham&rsquo;s town centre is characterised by some narrow roads so it is not always possible to provide cycle lanes segregated from traffic for people who wish to cycle through the centre. However, the proposed improvements will help to make the town centre roads safer for cyclists, alongside measures to reduce through traffic by reclassification of the A325, the HGV restrictions and the upcoming introduction of 20mph speed limits.If a wider pedestrianisation scheme is introduced in the future, cyclists would still be able to ride through the town centre.Public transportSurrey County Council and the bus operators have an ambition to make bus travel easier, more attractive and even more environmentally friendly.&nbsp;Through the council&rsquo;s Greener Futures programme the county council has committed to fund new zero-emission buses, put measures in place make sure buses can operate reliably and install more real time electronic displays at bus stops in Farnham. This will give passengers confidence that they know when the bus will arrive. In areas where the conventional network cannot provide convenient services we plan to introduce flexible demand responsive buses. Passengers will be able to able to book their ride using the SurreyConnect app and travel in the electric minibuses. &nbsp;&nbsp;Another ambition is to improve the connections between the railway station and other parts of the town, so people can get to the station without using their cars.Electric vehiclesChanging to an electric vehicle is better for the environment &ndash; and sales of new petrol and diesel cars will be ending in 2030, so it&rsquo;s something we&rsquo;ll all have to do eventually. However, there&rsquo;s still a need to reduce car use to reduce congestion in Farnham &ndash; so while an EV is better for air quality, continuing to drive when there are other options is still contributing to traffic.For people who are unable to charge cars at home, public charging points are being rolled out. <a href="https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/sustainable-driving/electric-vehicles">Surrey County Council is responsible for on-street charging points</a> &ndash; such as the ones installed in Hale Road. <a href="https://www.waverley.gov.uk/Services/Environmental-concerns/Sustainability-and-conservation/Electric-Vehicle-EV-charging-points-in-Waverley">Waverley Borough Council has installed charge points in its car parks</a> &ndash; including the Riverside 3 car park, and some due in the new Brightwells Yard car park.If you want to suggest a location for charging points, <a href="https://surreyev.commonplace.is/">place a pin on our interactive map</a>.

Find out more about proposals for pedestrianisation in Farnham.

Pedestrianisation

The possibility of a wider pedestrian scheme for Farnham town centre is something that many people in the town are very passionate about.&nbsp;Ahead of the summer 2022 consultation, the Farnham Infrastructure Programme considered pedestrianisation on Castle Street from Long Garden Walk to The Borough, West Street from The Hart and along The Borough to the Royal Deer Junction, and Downing Street between Lower Church Lane and West Street. Under this idea, buses, taxis, and cyclists would continue to be able to use these roads to support a move to more sustainable and active travel; and specific proposals would be included to make sure residents could still reach their properties and businesses could still receive deliveries.However, it was felt that at this time it isn&rsquo;t viable to propose this as a town centre scheme, as it would displace traffic and congestion to other parts of the town. Therefore, we will not be consulting on pedestrianisation as part of this consultation. The most feasible way to be able to move towards pedestrianisation is by a major shift away from travelling by car to sustainable and active methods of travel &ndash; such as walking, cycling and public transport. <a href="https://farnhaminfrastructure.commonplace.is/proposals/cycling-and-walking/step1">Please read the separate information on active and sustainable travel.</a>&nbsp;Pedestrianisation of Farnham town centre remains an option, provided the displacement of traffic can be mitigated alongside a significant reduction in car use. The two proposals for Farnham town centre would be complementary to a pedestrianisation scheme in the future.&nbsp;Flush pavements&nbsp;Due to government guidance, it&rsquo;s not possible to have the pavement and road surface at the same level. This is because of the high number of vehicles that will be continuing to travel through the town. The programme team is proposing to maintain a small kerb to maintain the difference between road and pedestrian spaces. This will not prevent a wider pedestrianisation scheme in the future &ndash; Guildford High Street is an example of a pedestrianised space with pavements and a road with a small kerb.<a href="https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s86535/Item%209c%20-%20Review%20of%20the%20use%20of%20Flush%20Pavements.pdf">A paper covering this issue was tabled at the Farnham Board in June 2022.</a> Western and Wrecclesham bypassesA review of the option of a Western bypass by the programme found that it is unlikely to attract the government funding at this time needed to make it a reality. This is because current government funding is prioritised for schemes which encourage sustainable modes of travel, not building new roads. If the funding position changes, then the programme will look at this again. In the meantime we are reviewing the traffic modelling with the intention of developing packages of measures to address the safety and environmental impacts of traffic.&nbsp;The possibility of a Wrecclesham bypass is being looked at again by Surrey County Council following recent cases of HGVs striking the railway bridge.&nbsp;Upper Hart link road&nbsp;A link road from Castle Hill to the Upper Hart car park has been suggested as a way to support the pedestrianisation of Castle Street. It would not be needed to implement the two proposals in the summer 2022 consultation.<a href="https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s86543/Item%209b%20-%20Upper%20Hart%20Link%20Road.pdf">A paper covering this issue was tabled at the Farnham Board in June 2022</a> and the option will be considered further in the next few months.&nbsp;

Find answers to some frequently asked questions about the proposals and Farnham programme.

Train and castle

Frequently Asked Questions

This page will be updated with frequently asked questions as and when they are received. Keep checking back here for updates.&nbsp;If you would like to ask a question please contact the team via <a href="mailto:farnham.infrastructureprogramme@surreycc.gov.uk"></a><a href="mailto:farnham.infrastructureprogramme@surreycc.gov.uk">farnham.infrastructureprogramme@surreycc.gov.uk</a>Turning right from Castle Street onto The BoroughThere has been a lot of feedback through the consultation on the practicality of the right turn from Castle Street into the Borough shown in Option B. The modelling results we have published as part of the consultation predict that flows on both Castle Street and The Borough are expected to reduce. &nbsp;This means that there will be less traffic having to give way at the bottom of Castle Street and also that it will be giving way to less traffic travelling eastbound on The Borough.The operation of the proposed traffic lights at the junction at the top of Downing Street and the pedestrian crossing will create natural breaks or gaps in the flow of traffic which will help traffic emerge from Castle Street. There has also been concern regarding the proximity of the proposed bus stop to Castle Street junction.Once the consultation is complete and the preferred option for the town centre is chosen, the programme team will be refining the design and doing further testing of that option. This will include looking at more detail in terms of how the various junctions around the town centre will cater for the movement by vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and the locations of bus stops and taxi ranks.

Let us know what you think about Farnham-wide improvements.

Farnham-wide improvements

Please scroll down to share your viewsProviding environmental improvements across Farnham to help people travel and tackle the causes of climate change will be vital to the success of the programme, and to bring the change people in the town want to see.Helping people leave the car at home<li>Creation of a travel app, which brings public transport, walking and cycling options together in one place</li> <li>Introducing car clubs to the town, for people who don’t need regular use of a car</li> <li>More work with schools to encourage more walking and cycling</li> <li>More emphasis on supporting pedestrians including improved footpaths, priority streets and new crossing points</li> <li>Increased cycle parking in the town centre and other key locations</li> <li>Dedicated cycle paths</li> <li>Hire or subsidised purchase of e-bikes and e-scooters.</li>Reclaiming roads from cars<li>Piloting and then rolling out low traffic neighbourhoods – where it is harder for drivers to ‘rat run’ through residential areas.</li>Using buses<li>Improved services and bus stops</li> <li>Using electric and ultra-low emission buses</li> <li>Review fares – including free passes and hopper tickets</li> <li>Review bus routes.</li>You&#39;ll find the survey to leave your feedback below the additional materials

Additional materials

Read a summary of the Farnham-wide improvements

Read a summary of the infrastructure plan

About the Farnham Infrastructure Programme

Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council and Farnham Town Council with the support of Jeremy Hunt MP are working together to tackle transport and infrastructure issues such as congestion and air quality in Farnham and its surrounding areas, including congestion and air quality. This is called the Farnham Infrastructure Programme, and the partners meet at the Farnham Board to drive the work forward.The aim is to help Farnham become a better, more environmentally-friendly place for those who live, work, study in, or visit the town.Programme visionIn 2020 a vision document was written, and people in town were given a chance to comment on it. The vision identified the issues in the town and considered what the programme wanted to achieve. This was summarised in a vision statement for the programme: “Deliver an attractive, well-integrated, future-focused and high-quality infrastructure solution for Farnham that enables a connected and vibrant town, where people choose to live, work, study and spend their leisure time in sustainable ways.” <a href="https://farnhaminfrastructure.commonplace.is/proposals/vision-consultation"></a> You can read the <a href="https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/237790/Farnham-vision-5.2.pdf">vision document</a> here <a href="https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s73521/Agenda%20Item%204%20-%20Annex%20A%20Vision%20Statement%20Consultation%20Report%20FINAL.pdf"></a> . <a href="https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/commonplace-customer-assets/farnhaminfrastructure/Farnham%20OIP_Boards_02.pdf"></a> The Optimised Infrastructure PlanFollowing a consultation in February and March 2021, an Optimised Infrastructure Plan (OIP) has now been agreed. It identifies a Farnham-wide programme of solutions to the issues highlighted in the vision. This will help to ensure that Farnham can become a better, more environmentally-friendly place for those who live, work, study in, or visit the town. <a href="https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/278408/Farnham-Optimised-Infrastructure-Plan.pdf">You can read the final OIP here</a> . <a href="https://farnhaminfrastructure.commonplace.is/overview"></a> Feedback at Local Liaison ForumsLocal Liaison Forums, held on Zoom to allow participation, provide an opportunity to share ideas and give feedback on the proposed infrastructure changes. If you live, work, study or travel around Farnham, get involved to find out more and ask questions about the programme.There are forum meetings during the OIP consultation in March. More information is available on the <a href="https://www.farnham.gov.uk/town-council/llf">Farnham Town Council website</a> .

Let us know what you think about proposals for changes to the A31 corridor, including Hickley's Corner.

Possible A31 corridor interventions

Please scroll down to share your viewsThe A31 is the main east-west route through western Surrey and eastern Hampshire and plays a vital role in the regional economy. The main bottleneck on the route is the Hickley’s Corner junction, with long queues on the approaches. The area is forecast to experience rapid growth in population, which will exacerbate delays at the junction.Potential options could include:We need to do more detailed study work to assess the A31 corridor and develop a programme of improvements between the Coxbridge, and Shepherd and Flock roundabouts. This will include addressing the challenges at Hickley’s Corner and be fully integrated with the proposals for the town centre and South Farnham.We have reviewed the options that were previously developed for a new underpass at Hickley’s Corner in the 1990s and 2000s. A new underpass would be very expensive to build and could create serious disruption to the town for a long period during construction. It is also unlikely to be consistent with our objectives to rapidly reduce carbon emissions. We will therefore investigate a wide range of options that could solve the problems facing this area of the town.Short-term measures to improve road safety and smooth traffic flows by using average speed cameras, and reducing the speed limit on the A31, will also be considered.You&#39;ll find the survey to leave your feedback below the additional materials

Read a summary of the possible A31 corridor interventions

Let us know what you think about proposals for south Farnham including including Wrecclesham; Rowledge, Boundstone, Shortheath, Lower Bourne and Compton.

Possible South Farnham interventions

Please scroll down to share your viewsThis area faces significant challenges caused by local traffic and longer journeys from south west Surrey and eastern Hampshire. There are problems caused by the level crossing near the station, with long tailbacks. There are also problems caused by traffic passing through Wrecclesham, which experiences problems caused by a low rail bridge.Potential options could include:<li>Further studies for Wrecclesham, including investigation of the benefits of a bypass</li> <li>Schemes will be progressed for improved walking and cycling, including in Wrecclesham</li> <li>Further studies of the station area and ways to tackle severance between south Farnham and the town centre caused by the railway, A31 and River Wey</li> <li>Potential options to reduce the amount of traffic using the level crossing by the station</li> <li>New bus routes and better bus infrastructure through Wrecclesham.</li>Quick wins will also be progressed to tackle the impacts of speeding traffic in the area.You&#39;ll find the survey to leave your feedback below the additional materials

Read a summary of the possible South Farnham interventions

Let us know what you think about proposals for changes to Farnham town centre. 

Possible town centre interventions

Please scroll down to share your viewsThe town centre is the historic heart of Farnham, an important destination between Guildford and Winchester that serves western Surrey and eastern Hampshire. It benefits from a dynamic economy, with high-quality shops, food and drink destinations, unique heritage and status as a World Craft Town. However, traffic dominates the town centre.Work has already begun on new restrictions to HGVs travelling through the town, and consideration of lowering speed limits to 20mph and reclassifying roads is already underway. At its cabinet meeting in January 2021, Surrey County Council agreed £2.5 million in funding to deliver these ‘quick wins’ and for further feasibility studies.Potential options could include:<li>An integrated town centre strategy, ensuring high-quality public spaces</li> <li>Improvements to integrate walking routes from new development areas to the east, including Brightwells, into the rest of the town centre</li> <li>Major improvements to walking and cycling</li> <li>New public transport hubs</li> <li>A fundamental review of bus services to transform accessibility to the town centre using public transport</li> <li>Major changes to the town centre road layout, with major improvements to the pedestrian experience</li> <li>Better management of town centre car parking, including a review of existing car parks alongside new ‘park and ride / stride’ sites, and electronic signs to show where spaces are available</li> <li>Off-street locations for deliveries by goods vehicles</li> <li>New freight consolidation centres to reduce the number of goods vehicles entering the town centre (short-medium term in the town centre, longer-term facilities on the outskirts).</li>You&#39;ll find the survey to leave your feedback below the additional materials

Read a summary of the possible town centre interventions

Let us know what you think of the international, national and local policies which are relevant to the programme.

Wider context

Please scroll down to share your viewsAny proposed changes need to comply with a number of policies to ensure they receive approval or are eligible for government funding, which may be crucial for a scheme to be taken forward.Many policies will have changed since previous studies were undertaken for the town, which means that previous options may no longer be appropriate.You&#39;ll find the survey to leave your feedback below the additional materials

Read about the Farnham Infrastructure Programme

Read a summary on the wider policy context

Let us know what you think about proposals for north Farnham including Hale, Upper Hale, Heath End, Weybourne and Badshot Lea.

Possible North Farnham interventions

Please scroll down to share your viewsThis urban area has strong links with adjacent parts of Hampshire. And there are traffic demands from both cars and goods vehicles. There are significant challenges caused by heavy traffic on roads including the A3016 through Upper Hale and A325 through Heath End.Potential options could include:<li>A programme of traffic management measures, which will be the subject of further study</li> <li>Improved walking and cycling, including high quality segregated routes through Badshot Lea and Weybourne, and new / improved routes through Farnham Park</li> <li>Measures to create wider pavements and narrower roads</li> <li>Investigating new bus services and enhanced bus infrastructure on the A325 Farnham to Aldershot corridor</li> <li>Working closely with Hampshire County Council to ensure seamless new walking and cycling routes, bus routes and traffic management</li> <li>An initial assessment on the potential benefits of a Western Bypass, focusing on the ability to reduce through traffic.</li>Quick wins will also be progressed to tackle the impacts of HGVs and speeding traffic through the area, including reduced speed limits, e.g. 20mph.You&#39;ll find the survey to leave your feedback below the additional materials

Read a summary of the possible North Farnham interventions

Read details of the vision consultation which was held in 2020.

Vision consultation

A consultation on the programme&#39;s vision was held in autumn 2020.You can read the <a href="https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/237790/Farnham-vision-5.2.pdf">vision document</a> , and the <a href="https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s73521/Agenda%20Item%204%20-%20Annex%20A%20Vision%20Statement%20Consultation%20Report%20FINAL.pdf">report which was presented to the Farnham Board</a> in November 2020.

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Background to the Farnham Infrastructure Programme

[Completed] Town centre proposals

[Completed] A31 Options

[Completed] Active and sustainable travel

Pedestrianisation

Frequently Asked Questions

[Archived] Farnham-wide improvements

[Archived] About the Farnham Infrastructure Programme

[Archived] A31 Options

[Archived] Possible South Farnham interventions

[Archived] Possible town centre interventions

[Archived] Wider context

[Archived] Possible North Farnham interventions

[Archived] Vision consultation