Waverley Borough Council’s Executive Committee has approved a £250,000 budget to progress the next phase of the development of the former landfill site area in Broadwater Park, Farncombe. This funding will allow the council to take forward plans to transform the former landfill site into a high-quality public greenspace for the community.
Public engagement has already provided valuable insight into how residents would like to see the space used, and the council remains committed to delivering a park that reflects these aspirations. In the meantime, essential work continues, as the site needs to undergo a ‘recapping process’ to manage the waste in the ground.
‘Capping’ is a method used at old UK landfill sites to keep the waste sealed in and prevent negative effects on the environment, so the land can eventually be used for other purposes. Due to the complexity of the Broadwater Park project, the scheme will take place in phases, and the current estimate is that a new park could open in 2030/2031 subject to relevant permissions being granted in the process.
Councillor Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council, and Ward Councillor for Godalming Central and Ockford, said: “I’m so delighted that we’ve agreed on the funding to further develop this very necessary and exiting transformation of Broadwater Park into a new, high-quality public green space.
"We engaged with residents to hear their vision for the park, and their enthusiastic response brought forth many fantastic ideas. The local community is incredibly invested in the future of the site. Their support and patience will be invaluable going forward, as this will be a long and complex project, given the site's former use as a landfill."
Portfolio Holder for Finance, Assets and Property, Councillor Mark Merryweather said: “The funding will allow us to bring in the expertise needed to develop a sustainable solution to the problems with the existing landfill cap, while also exploring how the exiting ideas for the parks future can be brought to life, given the constraints related to transforming a former landfill site.”
The council is taking significant steps to advance this project. Early public engagement has played a key role, with nearly 2,000 residents participating in a survey to share their vision for Broadwater Park. Additionally, the Council is working closely with local community groups to ensure the new park delivers maximum benefits to the wider community.
A detailed assessment of the landfill condition is also underway, combining desktop modelling with onsite intrusive survey work. Accurate mapping of the landfill boundaries will be required as well as understanding the depth and contents, evaluating the potential for gas emissions, and monitoring of ground and surface water.
In November 2024 vegetation was cleared to inspect existing boreholes, and landfill monitoring began in March 2025. Following the onsite inspection, an additional borehole is required, and we must complete some repairs to existing ones; this will support in the gathering of data. Drilling of the boreholes has just started and is set to be completed by the end of the week, with a full report on monitoring results expected towards the end summer 2025. Residents might notice a tall rig, and some areas will be barriered off – however, access to the park for the public will remain.
With budget approval secured, the next phase involves procuring a specialist team to conduct an options appraisal and prepare a planning application for repairing the landfill cap. Following this, a final phase will focus on developing a planning application for the park’s future use, accompanied by another round of public consultation on the preferred options.
Find out more: www.waverley.gov.uk/broadwaterproject