Moonriver's consented SANG on the River Wey would open a 3km riverside walk and dog area to the public, and unlock capacity for up to 1,000 homes.

This is a sponsored article by Moonriver Ltd, a company providing SANG and Biodiversity Net Gain solutions.

A new 40-acre public greenspace beside the River Wey at Moor Park could open within weeks of its final planning conditions being approved, according to Moonriver Ltd, the company behind the scheme.

The Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) holds planning consent from Waverley Borough Council under reference WA/2024/02300, and Moonriver says it has now submitted its condition discharge application, covering a new footbridge over the River Wey, riverside ecology protections, a car park and a Construction Environmental Management Plan.

What the greenspace would offer

The company says the country-park-style site, spanning 16.5 hectares on both sides of the river near Waverley Abbey, is designed especially with dog walkers in mind:

  • a public car park with direct access to a dedicated off-lead dog agility and exercise area
  • a 3km riverside walking route, with a shorter optional loop
  • boardwalk sections around wetland areas, with varied habitats and seasonal interest
  • direct connections to the Greensand Way, the North Downs Way and the wider rights-of-way network

Why SANG capacity matters for Farnham

SANGs exist to relieve recreational pressure on protected heathland: new housing near the Thames Basin Heaths and Wealden Heaths Special Protection Areas cannot be occupied unless mitigation greenspace capacity exists.

Moonriver says there is currently no remaining SANG capacity in the area, and that it has received confirmation from Waverley’s Director of Planning that future capacity will need to come from a combination of public and private sources. On the company’s figures, the Moor Park scheme would provide capacity supporting up to 1,000 new homes as the borough’s Local Plan review proceeds. Moonriver adds that it has discussed ring-fencing capacity for Farnham with the borough and town councils, including a proposed long lease to Farnham Town Council as the site’s management body with an 80-year maintenance endowment.

The riverside at the Moor Park SANG site
The River Wey through the Moor Park site. Photo: supplied by Moonriver Ltd

SANG allocations

Bridges estate agents handle SANG allocation enquiries on Moonriver’s behalf: details are on the Moor Park SANG page at Bridges, or from Moonriver directly at moonriver.co.uk.

All figures and statements in this article are provided by Moonriver Ltd. For Farnham Today’s independent reporting on the district’s SANG and housing picture, see our planning coverage.