Public urged to take part in first stage of New Forest District Council’s Local Plan review

THE first stage of a review into the New Forest’s house-building policy is out for public consultation.

As reported in the A&T, last year New Forest District Council confirmed it would be reviewing its Local Plan, which was published in 2020, as a number of policies were deemed no longer relevant or required significant updating, while some had been superseded by standard national policies.

The plan sets out a vision for development outside the national park, outlining an extra 10,420 homes to be built by 2036.

Members of the council’s cabinet agreed to launch a consultation on the ‘issues and scope’ stage of the plan, to seek early input from the community and wider stakeholders on the issues that the Local Plan should address.

The consultation explores subjects including housing needs, health and wellbeing, environmental protection, and sustainable transport, but due to its early stage does not include specific development sites or policy proposals.

The council’s cabinet member for planning, Cllr Derek Tipp, said: “Ensuring a council has an up to date plan is very important, as without one we would be at risk from a greater number of speculative applications from developers. Our new plan will ensure we get a design-led approach to growth.

“The government has also given us strong direction, emphasising the need for Local Plans to remain up to date and to progress reviews without delays, particularly in light of devolution discussions and the associated local government reorganisation.

“The Local Plan is a vital document that shapes the future of our district. We want as many people as possible to get involved and help us create a plan that meets the needs of our communities while protecting the unique character of the New Forest.”

For more information on the consultation, which ends on Friday 4th April, visit www.newforest.gov.uk/article/3683/Local-Plan-review