Residents, organisations and businesses are being asked to share their views on the next stage of the New Forest National Park Local Plan review.
The Local Plan sets out the planning policy framework for the National Park, guiding decisions on planning applications and helping shape the future of this nationally important landscape.
While the current plan (adopted in 2019) remains largely fit-for-purpose, this partial and focused review reflects recent changes in national guidance, local priorities, and lessons learnt over the past six years. It also builds on valuable feedback received during the initial ‘Direction of Travel’ consultation held earlier this year.
The draft Local Plan will be open for public consultation from 5 November to 19 December 2025.
You can give your views online at nfnpalocalplan.commonplace.is.
Paper copies are available to view at Lymington Town Hall.
A series of public drop-in sessions will also be held across the consultation period, offering people the opportunity to speak to members of the National Park Authority’s planning team and learn more about the proposals.
These are:
- Wednesday 26 November, 4.30pm – 5.30pm, online. Join at: Local Plan Online Consultation 2025 | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
- Tuesday 2 December, 2pm – 7pm, Redlynch Village Hall
- Thursday 4 December, 2pm – 7pm, Colbury Memorial Hall
- Friday 5 December, 2pm – 7pm, Sway Village Hall
- Tuesday 9 December, 2pm – 7pm, Lyndhurst Community Centre
- Friday 12 December, 2pm – 7pm, Landford Methodist Hall
A final period of consultation on a revised version of the Plan will follow in summer 2026, before submission to the Government for independent examination in December 2026.
Steve Trow, Chair of the NPA Planning Committee, said: ‘The Local Plan is key to how we protect and enhance the New Forest – safeguarding its landscapes, wildlife and heritage while supporting the people, businesses and communities who depend on it. This review gives us the opportunity to update planning policies in light of challenges such as climate change and local housing need, while maintaining a clear focus on conserving the Forest and making it fit for the future.’
Key themes of the Local Plan review
Thriving communities and local economy:
Based on the Government’s method for calculating housing need, there is a significant need within the communities of the New Forest National Park. Although meeting the identified need in full would not be appropriate given the important environmental designations in the New Forest National Park, the draft Local Plan includes a series of proposed policies that would meet some local housing needs, stabilise the population of the National Park and help to support local services.
Views are invited on this as part of the consultation.
New affordable housing provided as part of these developments would be available for people in housing need with a local connection to the New Forest National Park.
Revised policies would support the land-based economy, including commoning, and respond to updated assessments of employment needs. A proposed employment site allocation on land north of Fawley Waterside (part of the Solent Freeport) would help meet identified demand.
Climate change:
In response to the climate and nature emergencies, a new standalone chapter on climate change is proposed. It will promote higher water efficiency standards, sustainable drainage systems, small-scale renewable energy and sustainable construction.
Natural environment:
Proposed policies will continue to safeguard the New Forest’s internationally and nationally important habitats, setting out how local planning policies will deliver Biodiversity Net Gain, safeguard tranquillity, and link to the Local Nature Recovery Strategies for Hampshire and Wiltshire.
Historic and built environment:
Following advice from Historic England, draft policies have been updated to better protect the Forest’s built heritage while enabling historic buildings to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Traffic and transport:
Most traffic issues affecting the New Forest arise from developments outside the National Park and the review includes reference to the latest Local Transport Plans from Hampshire and Wiltshire. It promotes sustainable transport, improved walking and cycling networks, and electric vehicle chargers.
The revised Local Plan draws on a comprehensive evidence base, including a Housing Needs Assessment, Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Sustainability Appraisal, and Economic Viability Assessment. This evidence will continue to be updated as the Local Plan Review process proceeds.
For updates, sign up to the newsletter at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk.
Help inform the future of the New Forest National Park – add your voice at
nfnaplocalplan.commonplace.is
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