| New Forest District Council (NFDC) has approved a revised approach to preparing the district’s new Local Plan, following significant changes in the national planning system and the government’s recent decision to withdraw the local government reorganisation decision for Hampshire. |
| The revised approach will allow NFDC to transition towards the government’s new plan-making framework while maintaining flexibility as further details emerge.
At its meeting on Monday 14 September 2026, Council agreed recommendations to transition towards the government’s new plan-making framework. The decision follows a review of the council’s current programme in light of recent national planning reforms and the government’s announcement on the withdrawal of the proposed local government reform decision for Hampshire. Members concluded that these changes as a whole have created a materially different context to that which existed when the current Local Plan programme was established. The Council concluded that continuing with the existing timetable would carry increasing risks and uncertainty as national planning requirements continue to evolve. The revised approach will provide greater flexibility to respond to those changes while supporting the preparation of a robust and deliverable Local Plan for the future. Cllr Derek Tipp, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, said: “Council’s approval gives us a clear and practical way forward at a time of considerable change in both the planning system and local government. This approach allows us to build on the significant work already completed whilst ensuring we can respond effectively to new national requirements and future local government arrangements. “Importantly, the work already carried out is not lost. The evidence we have gathered, and the feedback received from residents, businesses, developers, and other stakeholders will continue to inform the next stage of plan-making. “The council remains committed to planning positively for future growth while protecting the qualities that make the New Forest district a great place to live, work and visit. Communities will continue to play a key role in shaping the Local Plan as it progresses, with further opportunities for engagement and consultation at every major stage. “Our priority is to produce a Local Plan that is sound, deliverable, and capable of supporting local communities, protecting the environment and planning positively for future needs. “The planning system is undergoing the most significant changes in a generation, while at the same time the future structure of local government in Hampshire remains uncertain. In those circumstances, it is sensible to review our approach and ensure that the next stage of plan-making can respond to changing national requirements and future local government arrangements as they become clearer. This decision gives us flexibility to adapt whilst continuing to build on the substantial amount of work already completed.” Over the coming months, NFDC will continue to review any future guidance when it is published, whilst also seeking clarification from MHCLG. The council will also continue to work with neighbouring authorities and strategic partners on matters that extend beyond administrative boundaries, noting the government’s announcement on LGR should not be conflated with their proposals for devolution. The intention to create a mayoral combined authority for Hants and IoW remains. Residents, businesses, developers, and landowners will continue to have opportunities to help shape the new Local Plan through consultation at key stages of the process. Details of future engagement and consultation will be published on the council’s website once the updated programme has been agreed. |
