New Forest District Council (NFDC) is inviting residents to have their say as the next stage of their Local Plan review gets underway.
Members of the Cabinet approved the launch of a public consultation on the Spatial Options and Policy Direction Plan (Regulation 18) at NFDC’s Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 4 February.
The Spatial Options and Policy Direction Plan sets out the council’s emerging vision, preferred policy directions and options for how future development needs, such as housing, jobs, infrastructure and the natural environment, could be planned for across the district. It does not present final policies or allocate sites, and the council is seeking public feedback at this stage before the detailed draft Local Plan is prepared.
A six-week public consultation will run from Friday 6 February to Friday 20 March, giving residents and business communities the opportunity to share their views on the contents of the Spatial Options and Policy Direction Plan.
During this time, residents can have their say on the Regulation 18 document which covers topics such as: where new developments should go, how housing needs are met locally, protecting and preserving the heritage and environment, supporting the economy, and improving infrastructure and transport.
Residents, businesses and partners are encouraged to have their say at newforest.gov.uk/localplan
Cllr Derek Tipp, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, said:
“Public participation has been vital in our Local Plan review so far. The valuable feedback we’ve received has helped us understand issues locally and what matters most to our communities.
This next stage is a chance for everyone to influence how the district grows and develops over the coming decades. I strongly encourage residents to get involved and have their say.”
To support the consultation, the council will host a series of drop-in events across the district for residents to learn more about the Local Plan review, ask questions, and give feedback
Local Plan drop-in events will take place on the following dates:
- Tuesday 10 February, 1pm to 6pm – Calmore Community Centre, Calmore Drive (SO40 2ZU)
- Wednesday 11 February, 1pm to 7pm – New Milton Town Hall (BH25 6AS)
- Thursday 12 February, 1pm to 7pm – Jubilee Hall, Fawley (SO45 1DD)
- Friday 13 February, 1pm to 7pm – Fordingbridge Town Hall (SP6 1AS)
- Wednesday 25 February, 1pm to 7pm – Lymington Community Centre (SO41 9BQ)
- Thursday 26 February, 1pm to 7pm – Marchwood Village Hall (SO40 4SF)
- Friday 27 February, 1pm to 7pm – Ringwood Gateway, The Furlong (BH24 1AT)
- Saturday 28 February, 1pm to 5pm – Totton and Eling Community Centre (SO40 3RS)
- Friday 6 March, 1pm to 7pm – Hythe Parish Hall, West Street (SO45 6AA)
- Monday 9 March, 1pm to 7pm – Hordle Parish Council, Hordle Pavilion, (SO41 0FP)
The council will use feedback from this consultation to inform the next steps in the Local Plan review process. A full draft Local Plan is expected in autumn 2026, when there will be further opportunity for public participation before the plan is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for examination
