New Forest District Council (NFDC) provided an update on their Local Plan Review including a revised programme of work during their Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 6 August.
Over the past year, the Council has been working on developing details of the Local Plan, including carrying out a public consultation on its ‘Issues and Scope’ document and seeking views on potential sites available for development through a ‘Call for Sites’. There were also in-person drop-in sessions across the district for residents to engage with the Local Plan process.
These consultations saw a significant increase in public comments, highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing, improved infrastructure, climate resilience, and the protection of the New Forest’s unique character.
Respondents to the recent consultation also stressed the importance of town centre regeneration, prioritising brownfield development, and ensuring new housing is well-connected to employment and services.
Cllr Derek Tipp, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, said: “I am pleased that we were able to gain so much valuable feedback from our residents, businesses and partners in our consultations so far. It is important that we are reflecting the views of our community in our new Local Plan which will serve to provide a prosperous New Forest for the people who live and work here.
I encourage everyone to continue engaging with our Local Plan review when opportunities to comment arise again during the next stages of the process.”
Feedback from the public consultations is vital to help shape the direction of the Local Plan. Members of the public will have further opportunity to comment on the Local Plan later in 2025, and again in Autumn 2026 when the full draft Local Plan is prepared.
Residents can find out more about New Forest District Council’s Local Plan review on their website at newforest.gov.uk/LocalPlan
