New Forest District Council launches parking strategy which includes developing underused car parks into housing sites

HOMES could be built on underused car parks in the New Forest, the district council has revealed.

It has launched a public consultation on its parking strategy to identify demand of its off-street car parks over the next 20 years.

New Forest District Council’s cabinet member for environment and sustainability, Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, said: “The strategy aims to modernise our parking services, support environmental goals, and generate sustainable income to enhance council services and delivery.

“It will focus on integrating new technologies, such as electric vehicle charging, solar power generation and digital payment systems, as well as exploring opportunities for redeveloping underused parking areas to address local housing needs.”

He added: “We operate a large number of car parks all across the district and this initiative forms part of a wider effort, not only to modernise and improve the service, but to reduce carbon emissions and respond to the climate agenda.

"This consultation is a crucial opportunity for residents, businesses and visitors to have their say on the future of parking in the New Forest.

“We are committed to creating a parking strategy that not only improves the user experience but also supports the council’s wider ambitions for sustainability and financial responsibility."

The consultation, which runs until 1st December, can be completed online at www.newforest.gov.uk/parkingconsultation

A draft strategy will be published in early 2025 before a further public consultation, expected in February 2025.

The final parking strategy is set to be completed by May 2025.