# Housing development planning disputes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/housing-development-planning-disputes
> Updated: 2026-08-07T06:40:53.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

In mid‑July 2026, local authorities in England and Canada faced challenges over new housing projects.

In Farnham, England, Waverley Borough Council narrowly voted 6‑5 against the 159‑home Centrum scheme, despite officer recommendations for approval. The council cited concerns regarding density, the loss of light, and an "overbearing" impact on neighboring amenities. Local residents and groups warned that the project could create a "canyon" effect and violate the 2020 Neighbourhood Plan’s four-storey limit. In response, developer CR Properties Ltd appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, arguing the project is essential for meeting housing shortages and that its viability is threatened by reduced scale. A public hearing is expected to address the proposal, which involves the phased demolition of the existing Centrum Business Park.

A week later in Mill Bay, British Columbia, the Purdey Group’s housing proposal encountered further procedural delays. Daniel Behrens, capital projects director for the Purdey Group, criticized the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Electoral Area Services committee for a "circular" process of repeatedly deferring decisions. The CVRD board declined to grant first readings to the necessary bylaws, instead returning the Official Community Plan amendment and zoning amendment to the committee. Director Kate Segall referred the matter back to staff to explore height and density reductions to ensure resident input is addressed. The proposal includes townhouse blocks and mid‑rise apartments on a 1.2‑hectare site.

Both cases illustrate the friction between developers seeking to meet housing targets and local bodies tasked with managing density, design, and community impact.

## Claims

- CR Properties Limited has lodged an appeal against Waverley Borough Council's refusal of planning permission. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The proposed development involves the phased demolition of the Centrum Business Park. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The redevelopment would replace the business park with 159 new homes. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The appeal will be determined through a public hearing rather than solely via written representations. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The appeal process officially began on July 27. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: Centrum Business Park housing plan to face public hearing

A public hearing will decide on a developer's appeal to build 159 homes at the Centrum Business Park in Farnham following a local council refusal.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/centrum-business-park-housing-plan-to-face-public-hearing

### 2026-07-21: Mill Bay housing proposal stalls amid developer criticism

Purdey Group developer calls CVRD's handling of Mill Bay housing plan circular, demanding a decisive vote; proposal includes 161 units across townhouses and apartments.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mill-bay-housing-proposal-stalls-amid-developer-criticism

### 2026-07-14: Farnham developer CR Properties appeals council rejection of 159‑home Centrum scheme

CR Properties has appealed Waverley Council’s rejection of Farnham’s 159‑home Centrum scheme, amid resident concerns over density, height and impact on the neighbourhood plan.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/farnham-town-centre-159-home-development-appeal-to-planning-inspectorate

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Cite as: Housing development planning disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/housing-development-planning-disputes