I have rubbed a crystal ball, stared at tea leaves and consulted a psychic on what could happen in Farnham in 2025.
Two words repeatedly came up – traffic and congestion – but these are engrained in Farnham’s makeup and are hardly a prediction.
One of the biggest talking points over the next year will undoubtedly be the Farnham Infrastructure Project being put into practice. There will be frustration from motorists and traders alike and there’s fears a few town centre events will be cancelled because of work. Hopefully not.
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An official opening at Brightwells Yard is planned and we’ve been told more shops and eateries are coming, while expect a few more restaurants to open in town with the likes of Barclays disappearing.
I also expect movements on East Street with January 7 being deadline day for the Woolmead site and Lidl showing an interest in relocating.
Talk about a Wrecclesham bypass will probably continue and I expect a few major planning applications to come in given the Waverley’s new housebuilding targets.
It will be interesting to see what happens to Waverley Borough Council (WBC) amid plans to scrap two-tier councils and whether local elections will take place.
On a happier note, we’ve definitely got Beerex, Music in the Meadow, the Literary Festival, Craft Town events and more to look forward to and it’s looking good for Farnham Town FC in their push for a consecutive title. Fingers crossed! PF
Preserving cherished open spaces will be a major theme in Alton during 2025.
Lying just outside the South Downs National Park meant the town was already taking a greater number of new homes than would be expected if it was part of a district without a national park.
The general election in July saw the pressure increase still further as Labour raised the government’s housing targets.
Areas potentially under threat include Windmill Hill and Fields, a stretch of countryside once walked upon by Chawton’s literary legend Jane Austen.
The author’s 250th birthday celebrations will be a major feature of cultural life in Chawton and Alton in 2025, with Jane Austen’s House and Chawton House both announcing big plans to mark the anniversary in addition to Alton’s annual Regency Week.
And the high profile of the occasion is being used by Windmill Hill campaigners to try to persuade the government to put the historic significance of the area above the requirement for new homes.
A change.org petition started by Ginny Boxall on December 27, ‘Securing Jane Austen’s Literary Landscape for the Nation’, has already attracted 863 signatures.
The other big issue in Alton is the future of Kings Pond. While not a natural feature, it is an integral part of the town having been around for more than 200 years.
It was due to be debated by Alton Town Council on January 8, with separation from the River Wey or dredging currently the two main options. PC
Last summer I wrote a 500-word story about The Shed welcoming its millionth visitor.
During my research I came across the Herald article from May 2021 when regeneration boss James Child cooed excitedly about “everything coming together” at the venue’s grand opening.
The above quote came to mind when asked to make predictions for Bordon. I want things to happen aside from more housing, but it’s hard to feel optimistic given the recent malaise.
I do honestly believe that work will start on Sainsbury’s this year and some agreement will be made with the Health Hub-Chase deadlock.
The Northern Gateway site will get new owners, the Men’s Shed will move into a new home behind The Phoenix, and somewhere will be subjected to weeks of roadworks.
Sadly, I expect the tip’s future to come under scrutiny again when Hampshire County Council plans its 2026 budget amid more financial issues.
But I confidently predict that Leeroy Scott will remain the coolest councillor in East Hampshire and there won’t be a day when Andy Tree isn’t asked for help by someone online. Like death and taxes, I think that’s a given. PF
The year 2024 was one of big wins and challenges for Haslemere: Lion Green’s toilets were the butt of many jokes, The Edge reopened after public outcry over its closure, and fundraisers rallied residents to support vital causes. But what will 2025 bring?
One unresolved story is the controversial Scotland Lane development. Initially shelved after the Planning Inspector ruled it would cause “serious harm” to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the decision was overturned on a technicality.
Redwood (South West) Limited’s plans for 110 homes sparked fierce opposition from the Haslemere South Residents’ Association (HSRA), the town council, Surrey CPRE, and AONB advocates, citing the project’s devastating impact on landscapes, ecology, and infrastructure.
A judicial review in July 2024 quashed the original ruling due to a procedural breach, prompting a new inquiry in April 2025. Opponents argue the appeal’s outcome could set a national precedent, endangering green belt land everywhere. HSRA fears the developer is banking on community fatigue, but vows to keep fighting.
Another predicted headline concerns shoplifting. Local businesses, already struggling with rising costs, report an alarming surge in thefts. Business owners are calling for stronger measures to protect their livelihoods, warning this issue could spiral further in 2025 without intervention.
With a contentious planning battle and rising retail crime, Haslemere residents can expect another eventful year ahead. Will 2025 bring solutions – or more challenges? Only time will tell. GH
PETERSFIELD
Kicking things off in Petersfield this year will be the ten per cent rise in charges at EHDC car parks. Given how significant the increase is, it is likely to have an impact on how residents will park in town and the number of visitors.
At the end of the month, Anarlyn Jones will be sentenced for the murder of his mother, Anna Jones, at Portsmouth Crown Court.
Last year, planning approval was granted for the Festival Hall redevelopment plans. However, some residents have raised concern about the current estimated cost which is around £20 million.
As the project moves onto RIBA 4, which includes further public consultations, it remains to be seen how concerns will be addressed and if the cost estimate remains at its current projection.
The return of Petersfield police station early this year will be welcomed by many, with more people wanting to see an increased police presence in town and nearby areas.
But at recent community meetings in places such as Clanfield, there is still concern from residents that the force is not doing enough to tackle rising crime.
The Post’s other predictions for 2025 include more road closures for work on the A3, further rises in fly-tipping incidents, business closures (sadly) due to the cost of living crisis and The Budget, loss of natural space for housing and other developments, cancellation of events due to bad weather and impacts of climate change. MM