Contact us

New Forest National Park Authority
Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road,
Lymington SO41 9ZG
Telephone: 01590 646600
enquiries@newforestnpa.gov.uk
www.newforestnpa.gov.uk

Please contact us if you would like to receive this publication in another format such as large print or Braille.

Foreword

The New Forest National Park 2016-2036 is the result of four years of public consultation, cooperation with neighbouring authorities and other partners, evidence-gathering and independent assessment. The adopted Local Plan forms a key part of the statutory ‘development plan’ for the area and is the basis for planning decisions made within the National Park.

The vision, strategic objectives and planning policies within the Plan are framed around the two National Park purposes and associated socio-economic duty established in the ‘National Parks & Access to the Countryside Act 1949’. The Local Plan sets out what sustainable development means within the context of a nationally protected landscape.

The Local Plan contains a succinct suite of policies to conserve and enhance the rich natural and built environment of the New Forest and its nationally protected landscape; and to retain the local distinctiveness of the area. The focus of new development is on catering for the needs of local communities within the National Park, including providing affordable housing for local people and support for a sustainable economy.

I would like to thank everyone who engaged in the Plan-making process. The comments received from a wide range of statutory consultees, stakeholder groups, local businesses and residents have helped to strengthen the policies in this Local Plan and ultimately provide an up-to-date policy framework for the National Park.

Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre
New Forest National Park Authority Chairman

Chapter 1: Introduction

The New Forest National Park

The New Forest National Park was designated in 2005 and covers an area of 220 square miles within the counties of Hampshire and Wiltshire. The National Park operates within a detailed planning policy and legislative framework. National parks have two statutory purposes:

• to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the New Forest; and
• to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the New Forest by the public.

National park authorities also have a duty under Section 62(1) of the Environment Act 1995 to seek to foster the economic and social wellbeing of local communities within the National Park. The New Forest is a living working area, home to 2,500 local businesses and 35,000 residents.

As part of its statutory planning role, the New Forest National Park Authority is required to prepare, monitor and review a Local Plan for the National Park. Once adopted, the Local Plan forms part of the statutory ‘development plan’ (alongside any Neighbourhood Plans and the separate Minerals and Waste Local Plan) for the New Forest and is the principal guide for planning decisions within the National Park.

Links to other plans and strategies

The Local Plan is part of the statutory ‘development plan’. National policy (National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance) are material considerations. The Environment Act 1995 requires each National Park Authority to prepare a National Park Management Plan. The Management Plan is the overarching strategic document for the National Park and is intended to guide the work of all organisations within the National Park. Although Management Plans do not form part of the statutory development plan, they should be taken into account in preparing Local Plans.

Cross-boundary planning issues

The Localism Act 2011 introduced a legal requirement for planning authorities to cooperate on strategic cross boundary planning matters (the ‘duty to cooperate’). The Authority has worked closely with its neighbouring planning authorities and agreed that the main areas of strategic cross-boundary planning interest are:

• habitat protection;
• housing provision.

National policy and guidance

The NPPF (2012) and Planning Practice Guidance (first issued 2014) set out the Government’s planning policies relevant to the work of all planning authorities. National parks are identified as areas where development should be restricted and the NPPF confirms that national parks have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty.

Minerals and waste planning framework

The New Forest National Park Authority is the minerals and waste planning authority for the whole of the National Park. The Authority works in partnership with the other minerals and waste planning authorities in Hampshire and has adopted the Hampshire Minerals & Waste Plan (2013) and other supporting documents. With this up-to-date policy framework in place, this Local Plan does not include minerals and waste planning matters.

Planning enforcement

The Authority has a dedicated planning enforcement team and has adopted a Local Enforcement Plan (2013) that sets out the policy and procedures for enforcing planning control in the National Park.

Chapter 2: Profile of the New Forest National Park

The New Forest is a place of outstanding natural beauty. First created around 1079 as a royal hunting forest, it has survived for over 900 years to become a highly valued part of the national heritage. It is a unique mixture of ancient woodland, heather covered heath, wide lawns, boggy mires, rivers and streams, picturesque villages and unspoilt coastline.

Area and population

The National Park covers 567 square kilometres (220 square miles). In 2015 the National Park had a population of approximately 35,260 people and with around 62 people per square kilometre it is the second most densely populated national park after the South Downs. The housing stock within the National Park amounts to circa 15,582 dwellings (2011 Census data), of which an estimated 6% are second homes or holiday lets. Average house prices in the New Forest National Park are significantly higher than surrounding areas, with an average property price around 15 times higher than average annual earnings.

Landscape character

The New Forest Landscape Character Assessment (2015) describes 19 character areas in the National Park. At the heart of the New Forest is an extensive area of unenclosed woodland, grassland and heath which is of international nature conservation importance and is maintained largely by the grazing of commoners’ stock. Recent figures show that 12,044 animals are depastured on the Open Forest by 771 practising commoners.

Nature conservation

In total 56% of the New Forest National Park is designated of international value for nature conservation – the highest proportion of land in any planning authority area in the country. The New Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar sites cover more than 300 square kilometres in the core of the New Forest, including the most extensive area of heathland and valley mire in lowland Europe. Much of the coastline is similarly designated.

Cultural heritage

The National Park contains a wealth of designated and non-designated heritage assets. There are more than 340 Bronze Age barrows, a number of Iron Age hill forts, and numerous medieval and later features. The National Park has 214 scheduled ancient monuments, 624 listed buildings and 17 designated conservation areas, plus three which straddle the National Park boundary with New Forest District.

Access and recreation

The New Forest has 42 kilometres of coastline, 325 kilometres of Public Rights of Way, and over 30,000 hectares of accessible land (more than 50% of the area of the National Park). Major attractions include Buckler’s Hard, Lepe Country Park, Calshot Activities Centre, the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu and many villages that attract visitors throughout the year.

Communities and settlement pattern

There are 37 parish and town councils wholly or partly within the National Park. The Local Plan retains the settlement hierarchy with Ashurst, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Sway identified as ‘Defined Villages’. Other smaller settlements include Beaulieu, Burley, Cadnam, East Boldre, Landford, Netley Marsh and Woodgreen. The towns of Lymington, New Milton, Ringwood, Totton and the Waterside are important local employment centres.

Economy

In 2015 there were circa 2,540 businesses in the National Park, reflecting a very broad range and types of businesses. The largest sector by number of businesses is professional, scientific and technical services. Residents are employed in a wide range of sectors including health, tourism, wholesale/retail, professional services and education. Unemployment has remained at lower levels than regional and national averages and currently stands at approximately 0.5%.

Transport

The National Park is crossed by several major routes which carry high volumes of traffic. The A31 is the most heavily used road in the National Park carrying up to 77,000 vehicles daily and effectively cuts the area in two. The National Park is well-served for long-distance rail travel, with connections at Ashurst, Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst and Sway.

Chapter 3: Vision and objectives

Vision for the New Forest National Park for 2036

In 2036 the New Forest’s outstanding natural beauty has been safeguarded and enhanced. Sites of international, national and local importance for nature conservation and the National Park as a whole continue to host a variety of wildlife and habitats. The New Forest remains an area with a unique and immediately recognisable sense of place, with a mosaic of distinctive landscapes and habitats including lowland heath, mire, ancient woodland, the Solent coastline and farmed landscapes. Tranquillity and a feeling of naturalness pervade large parts of the National Park.

Key challenges for the Local Plan

• Conserving and enhancing the nationally protected landscape of the New Forest;
• Ensuring the impacts of new development on the internationally protected habitats are avoided or fully mitigated;
• Developing a positive strategy for the conservation and enhancement of local distinctiveness and heritage assets;
• Delivering new housing to help address local needs while ensuring development does not compromise the statutory National Park purposes;
• Sustaining a diverse local economy;
• Supporting sustainable tourism and recreation;
• Reducing the impacts of traffic on the special qualities of the National Park.

Strategic objectives

The vision and key challenges facing the New Forest over the next twenty years have been translated into nine strategic objectives. These objectives reflect the National Park purposes and the duty to foster socio-economic wellbeing. Each objective is linked to policies in the Plan (for example, objectives on protecting the natural environment link to SP4, SP5, SP6, SP7, DP8, SP9, DP13 and SP15).

Chapter 4: Strategic policies and development principles

Policy SP1: Supporting sustainable development

The National Park Authority will support sustainable development proposals that will conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park and its special qualities; promote opportunities for their understanding and enjoyment by the public, and when doing so, will foster the social and economic well-being of local communities. Where there is an irreconcilable conflict between the statutory purposes, greater weight will be attached to the conservation and enhancement of the National Park (in line with Section 62(2) of the Environment Act 1995).

Sustainable development in the National Park is considered to be that which:

1. makes the National Park a high-quality place to live, work and visit – including appropriate new housing to address local needs; accessibility to local employment opportunities; improved public transport links; local infrastructure provision; and enhanced community and recreational facilities;
2. has a positive impact on the ability of the natural environment to positively contribute to society through the provision of food and water, regulation of floods, prevention of soil erosion and disease outbreaks, and non-material benefits such as recreation;
3. enhances the landscape of the New Forest through high quality design and responding to the local distinctiveness of the area;
4. contributes positively to the built and historic environment of the New Forest;
5. does not impact on the integrity of the protected habitats of the New Forest, including its coastline;
6. is resilient and responsive to the impacts of climate change through improved energy efficiency and making appropriate use of small-scale renewable energy; and
7. makes use of sustainable building techniques, local materials and minimises energy use and waste.

Policy DP2: General development principles

All new development and uses of land within the New Forest National Park must uphold and promote the principles of sustainable development. New development proposals must demonstrate high quality design and construction which enhances local character and distinctiveness. This includes, but is not restricted to, ensuring:

• development is appropriate and sympathetic in terms of scale, appearance, form, siting and layout;
• development respects the natural, built and historic environment, landscape character and biodiversity;
• development takes opportunities to protect and enhance the setting of groups and individual trees, hedges and hedgerows and to include new planting of native trees and hedges where appropriate;
• materials and boundary treatments are appropriate to the site and its setting;
• development would not result in unacceptable adverse impacts on amenity (visual intrusion, overlooking or shading); and
• development would not result in unacceptable adverse impacts associated with traffic or pollution (air, soil, water, noise and light).

New development must also comply with required standards for car parking (see Annex 2) and open space (Policy DP10).

Policy SP3: Major development in the National Park

In the context of the New Forest National Park, major development is defined as development which has the potential to have a significant impact on the National Park and its special qualities due to its scale, character and nature. Planning permission will only be granted for major development within the New Forest National Park in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated to be in the public interest. Consideration of such applications should include an assessment of:

• the need for the development, including in terms of any national considerations, and the impact of permitting it, or refusing it, upon the local economy;
• the cost of, and scope for, developing outside the New Forest National Park, or meeting the need for it in some other way;
• any detrimental effect on the environment, the landscape and recreational opportunities and the extent to which that could be moderated;
• any detrimental impact on the special qualities of the New Forest National Park and whether they can be mitigated; and
• the cumulative impact of the development when viewed with other proposals.

Policy SP4: Spatial strategy

The following villages within the New Forest National Park have defined settlement boundaries:

• Ashurst
• Brockenhurst
• Lyndhurst
• Sway

The principle of development within the ‘Defined Villages’ settlement boundaries will be supported provided it complies with other relevant policies and is of a scale and nature appropriate to the character and function of the settlement. Development outside the Defined Villages will only be permitted where it is in accordance with policies for rural exceptions, employment reuse or where there is an essential need for a countryside location (for example commoners’ or estate workers’ dwellings or agricultural dwellings), or the appropriate reuse of existing buildings.

Chapter 5: Protecting and enhancing the natural environment

Policy SP5: Nature conservation sites of international importance

All development must comply with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). Development which may affect the integrity of an internationally important site for nature conservation will not be permitted unless there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest for the development, and there are no alternatives. If this is the case, the Authority will require compensatory measures to ensure the overall coherence of the designated site.

Development may satisfy the Regulations if sufficient and effective measures are put in place to avoid or fully mitigate any likely significant adverse effects of the proposal (either individually or in combination with other plans and projects) through its lifetime on the designated sites. A contribution to the Authority’s Habitat Mitigation Scheme and/or the Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership’s Scheme will enable developers to ensure that mitigation measures are secured for the recreational impacts of their development. Avoidance or mitigation may not be possible in some cases due to the impacts, scale, type, or proximity of the proposed development in relation to the designated site, and so the Authority will assess each case on its merits.

Policy SP6: The natural environment

Proposals should protect, maintain and enhance nationally, regionally and locally important sites and features of the natural environment, including habitats and species of biodiversity importance, geological features and the water environment.

Development which is likely to have an adverse effect on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (either individually or in combination with other developments) will not be permitted. Development proposals which adversely affect locally designated sites, priority habitats and species populations, protected species or those identified of importance by national or local biodiversity plans will be refused unless the Authority is satisfied that:

1. it has been demonstrated that suitable measures for mitigating adverse effects will be provided and maintained in order to achieve a net gain in biodiversity value;
2. there are no alternative solutions; and
3. there are overriding reasons which outweigh the harm.

In cases where it is not possible to fully avoid or mitigate for the loss of biodiversity interests resulting from a development, appropriate compensation will be secured for any residual losses via on or off-site compensation measures. Applicants will be required to demonstrate the impacts of their proposal on biodiversity, and for certain types of development by submission of an Ecological Appraisal, which should outline the mitigation and enhancement measures needed to achieve a net gain in biodiversity.

Policy SP7: Landscape character

Great weight in planning decisions will be given to conserving the landscape and scenic beauty of the National Park and to its wildlife and cultural heritage. Development proposals will be permitted if they conserve and enhance the character of the New Forest’s landscapes and seascapes by demonstrating that:

1. they are informed by the New Forest National Park Landscape Character Assessment and are compatible with the distinct features and type of landscape in which the development is located;
2. the design, layout, massing and scale of proposals conserve and enhance existing landscape and seascape character and do not detract from the natural beauty of the National Park;
3. the character of largely open and undeveloped landscapes between and within settlements will not be eroded or have their setting harmed; and
4. landscape schemes reinforce local landscape or seascape character. Where planting is appropriate, it is consistent with local character and native species are used.

Policy DP8: Safeguarding and improving water resources

Development will not be permitted if it would risk harm to the quality and yield of water resources, including abstraction sites, groundwater, rivers, streams, still and coastal waters. In addition, all new residential development should be designed to achieve a required level of 110 litres maximum daily allowable usage per person, in line with the Government’s Housing Optional Technical Standard for water efficiency.

To reduce the risk that pollutants likely to be contained in surface water run-off will enter watercourses new development must either:

1. implement appropriate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS); or
2. demonstrate that surface water run-off from the development will not adversely affect any designated nature conservation sites.

Policy SP9: Green infrastructure

Proposals which create, maintain and enhance green infrastructure will be supported, particularly where they:

• encourage connectivity between different habitats and designated sites;
• provide opportunities for local communities to access open space and provide for healthy recreation; and
• relieve recreational pressure on internationally important nature conservation sites.

Policy DP10: Open space

Where there is an identified need, development should either provide for the enhancement of existing open space and amenity areas, or provide on-site open space to the minimum provision standard of 3.5 hectares of public open space per 1,000 population. Proposals that result in the loss of existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, will not be permitted unless:

1. an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; or
2. the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or
3. the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use.

Policy SP11: Climate change

The Authority will support proposals to mitigate climate change and adapt to the impacts of climate change through:

• avoiding development in areas at highest risk of flooding;
• locating development so as to reduce the need to travel by car;
• sustainable design and construction of buildings including improved water and energy efficiency;
• supporting small scale renewable and low carbon energy generation;
• enabling wildlife and habitats to adapt to climate change.

Policy DP12: Flood risk

Development proposals will not be permitted if they would increase the risk of coastal, fluvial, or surface flooding, or coastal erosion; do not comply with the sequential test, and if necessary, the exception test; or are not compatible with the appropriate Shoreline Management Plan and Coastal Defence Strategy. Relevant developments will require a flood risk assessment.

Policy DP13: Coastal development

Small scale proposals for development on the coast will be permitted provided that they:

1. will not have adverse impacts on coastal processes;
2. are in keeping with the character of the coast;
3. will not significantly prejudice landscape interest and will have regard to the importance of seaward and landward views;
4. protect or enhance coastal habitats and species, including all designated nature conservation sites; and
5. will not lead to the consolidation of scattered development.

Policy SP14: Renewable energy

Development proposals for, or incorporating, renewable energy generation, other than wind energy, will be permitted where they:

1. are small-scale and provide energy for individual households or businesses, or for small local community facilities;
2. are located and designed to have minimal visual impact;
3. do not have adverse impact on the landscape character, heritage assets, natural beauty, wildlife, tranquillity or other special qualities of the National Park.

Planning permission for renewable energy developments likely to have an adverse effect on a designated nature conservation site (including Natura 2000 sites, SSSI and National Nature Reserves) will not be granted.

Policy SP15: Tranquillity

New development should avoid, or provide mitigation measures, if the proposal will lead to noise, visual intrusion, nuisance and other unacceptable environmental impacts on the National Park and its special qualities. This should include reducing the impacts of light pollution on the ‘dark skies’ of the National Park and control of development to prevent artificial lighting from eroding rural darkness and tranquillity. Development proposals that seek to remove visually intrusive man-made structures from the landscape will be supported.

Chapter 6: Protecting and enhancing the historic & built environment

Policy SP16: The historic and built environment

Proposals should protect, maintain or enhance nationally, regionally and locally important sites and features of the historic and built environment, including local vernacular buildings, archaeological sites and designed and historic landscapes, and, where appropriate, help secure a sustainable future for those heritage assets at risk.

Proposals will be supported where they conserve and enhance the significance or special interest of designated or non-designated heritage assets. Proposals will be resisted where they would harm the significance or special interest of a heritage asset unless any harm is outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal, proportionate to the degree of harm and significance of the asset.

Policy SP17: Local distinctiveness

Built development and changes of use which would individually or cumulatively erode the Park’s local character, or result in a gradual suburbanising effect within the National Park will not be permitted.

Policy DP18: Design principles

All new development will be required to achieve the highest standards for new design including location, layout, size, scale, details and materials of new development within the National Park, with particular regard to:

• enhancing the built and historic environment of the New Forest;
• creating a safe environment where people want to live, work and visit;
• ensuring new development is accessible where appropriate;
• ensuring all new development incorporates sound sustainable design and construction principles and good environmental practices;
• ensuring development is contextually appropriate and does not harm key visual features, landscape setting or other valued components of the landscape, and enhances these where appropriate.

Chapter 7: Vibrant communities

Strategic objectives

Promote appropriate housing to meet local needs and maintain the vibrant communities of the National Park. Strengthen the well-being, identity and sustainability of rural communities and the pride of local people in their area.

Housing and Policy SP19: New residential development in the National Park

An additional 800 dwellings will be delivered within the New Forest National Park between 2016 and 2036. New residential development will be permitted within the National Park to maintain the vitality of local communities and support local services where the proposal involves:

• development of sites allocated for housing in the Local Plan;
• implementation of extant planning permissions;
• development of previously unallocated or unidentified (windfall) land within the Defined Villages;
• development that comes forward on appropriate rural exception sites;
• housing for New Forest commoners, Estate workers and tied agricultural dwellings.

Components include completions, extant permissions, site allocations and windfalls (including rural exceptions, commoners’ dwellings, Estate workers’ dwellings and other unallocated sites in Defined Villages).

Policy SP20: Specialist housing for older people (Use Class C2)

Proposals which address an identified local need or requirement for specialist housing for older people will be permitted within the Defined Villages of Ashurst, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Sway. Outside the Defined Villages, extensions to existing specialist housing for older people will be permitted providing this can be achieved in a satisfactory manner within the existing site and without having a harmful impact on the locality. A planning obligation will be secured to ensure occupancy of new specialist housing for older people is confined in perpetuity to local persons with a minimum period of 5 years permanent residence within parishes in the National Park.

Policy SP21: The size of new dwellings

To ensure the dwelling stock of the New Forest as a whole is balanced, new dwellings permitted in the National Park will have a maximum total internal habitable floor area of 100 square metres. Where permission is granted for new dwellings of up to 100 square metres, a condition will be attached removing permitted development rights in respect of extensions.

Housing site allocations

The Local Plan includes five site allocations within the National Park (examples include land at Whartons Lane, Ashurst for around 60 dwellings; land at Ashurst Hospital for around 30 dwellings/Use Class C2 care home or extra care; former Lyndhurst Park Hotel site for around 50 dwellings; land south of Church Lane, Sway for around 40 dwellings with 1 hectare of informal greenspace; and land adjacent to former Fawley Power Station for around 120 dwellings linked to a comprehensive redevelopment of the former Power Station site).

Policy SP27: Affordable housing provision within the Defined Villages and on allocated sites

50% of net dwellings developed within the Defined Village boundaries of Ashurst, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Sway and on sites allocated for residential development in the Local Plan will be provided as affordable homes to meet local needs. In practice:

• on developments of 1–2 net new dwellings, no affordable housing will be sought;
• on developments between 3–10 net new dwellings, a target of 50% affordable housing will be sought on site (exceptionally financial contributions in lieu may be accepted at the Authority's discretion);
• on development sites of 11 dwellings or more, a target of 50% affordable housing will be sought on site.

The starting point for tenure mix is 75% social/affordable rented tenure and 25% shared ownership/intermediate housing, subject to up-to-date evidence and viability considerations. Local connection criteria apply (see Annex 3).

Policy SP28: Rural exception sites

Small-scale affordable housing developments may be permitted as “exceptions” on sites in or adjoining villages to meet the identified needs of local people in these areas, subject to local need, long-term affordability and management by an appropriate body. 100% of the housing on rural exception sites will be affordable.

Policy SP29: New Forest commoners’ dwellings

Exceptionally, dwellings to meet the specific needs for New Forest commoners may be permitted outside an existing settlement. As with other new dwellings in the National Park, the total internal habitable floorspace of the dwelling should not exceed 100 square metres. Proposals must fulfil requirements of the Commoners Dwelling Scheme (CDS) demonstrating an established recent history of active commoning and other criteria. Applicants will be required to sign a legal agreement to ensure the dwelling remains in use for commoning in perpetuity.

Policy SP30: New Forest estate workers’ dwellings

Development proposals within the larger Estates of the National Park will be supported where they are part of a comprehensive Estate Plan endorsed by the Authority and deliver multiple benefits in line with National Park purposes. Housing must be subject to an occupancy condition for estate workers and be limited in scale (small-scale housing schemes should not exceed a maximum of 3 units per site).

Policy DP31: Agricultural and forestry workers’ dwellings

Permission will be granted for an agricultural or forestry worker's dwelling where the nature of the work makes it essential for one or more people to live at or very close to the site; the functional need could not be fulfilled by another existing dwelling on the unit; no other dwellings on the holding have been sold or alienated; the size does not exceed 100 square metres internal habitable floorspace; and first consideration has been given to conversion of existing buildings (Policy DP49).

Policy DP32: Removal of agricultural occupancy conditions

An occupancy condition restricting the occupancy of a dwelling to a person solely, mainly or last working in agriculture or forestry will not be removed unless the Authority is satisfied that the long-term need for the dwelling has ceased and there is no evidence of a continuing need for persons employed or last employed in the locality in those categories, or practising commoning. Applicants will normally be expected to demonstrate a robust marketing exercise.

Policy SP33: Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

Land within the curtilage of the existing gypsy site at ‘Forest View’ in Landford is allocated for an additional permanent gypsy and traveller pitch (a net gain of one pitch). Further proposals to meet established gypsy and traveller needs will be supported where they are well-located and meet local connection criteria. Further details are set out in the policy.

Policy DP34: Residential character of the Defined Villages

Development proposals within the Defined Villages must be informed by consideration of the character of the local area. Development densities should reflect built heritage, local distinctiveness and the location within a nationally protected landscape.

Policy DP35: Replacement dwellings

Replacement dwellings will be permitted except where the existing dwelling is the result of temporary permissions or is a non-designated heritage asset making a positive contribution. For small dwellings and those permitted under specific policies, replacement dwellings must not exceed 100 square metres internal habitable floorspace. Outside Defined Villages replacement dwellings should be of no greater floorspace than the existing dwelling. Exceptional family needs may be considered with a maximum of 120 square metres in very limited circumstances.

Policy DP36: Extensions to dwellings

Extensions to existing dwellings will be permitted provided they are appropriate. Small dwellings and new dwellings permitted by policies in this Plan must not result in internal habitable floorspace exceeding 100 square metres. For other dwellings outside the Defined Villages extensions must not increase the floorspace of the existing dwelling by more than 30%. Exceptional family needs may be considered up to a maximum of 120 square metres.

Policy DP37: Outbuildings

Domestic outbuildings will be permitted where they are proportionate and clearly subservient to the dwelling, located within the residential curtilage, required for purposes incidental to the dwelling, are not providing additional habitable accommodation and will not reduce private amenity space to an unacceptable level. Outbuildings used for home-working will be acceptable where they do not change the use of the main dwelling or impact on residential amenity or special qualities of the National Park.

Policy SP38: Infrastructure provision and developer contributions

Development proposals shall make provision for the infrastructure and measures necessary to ensure the development is acceptable in planning terms. Contributions will be secured through appropriate mechanisms – including Section 106 agreements and, where implemented, the Community Infrastructure Levy – as required by national policy. Regard will be had to viability at the site-specific level.

Policy SP39: Local community facilities

The Authority will support the retention of existing community facilities throughout the National Park and prevent their loss or redevelopment where they contribute to the sustainability of local communities. The Authority will support development of essential local community facilities where the proposal is of clear and direct benefit to the local village or rural community, is proportionate to local areas and accessible to the community they will serve.

Policy DP40: Change of use from retail in the Defined Villages

To support the role of the Defined Villages in meeting retail needs, the change of use of ground floor premises from retail to other uses within defined local shopping frontages will only be permitted where it will not reduce the proportion of retail units in Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst below 50%, or Ashurst and Sway below 40%.

Policy DP41: Retail development outside the Defined Villages

Outside the Defined Villages, small-scale convenience shops within rural settlements that serve local needs, and farm shops that are part of farm diversification will be permitted, together with small-scale extensions of existing shops. Any development should not extend into the open countryside or have impacts on adjoining land uses.

Chapter 8: A sustainable local economy

Policy SP42: Business and employment development

Small scale employment development will be permitted within the four Defined Villages of Ashurst, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Sway. Outside these Defined Villages, small-scale employment development that helps the well-being of local communities will be permitted through reuse or extension of existing buildings, redevelopment of existing employment sites, farm diversification schemes and through home-working.

Policy SP43: Existing employment sites

Existing employment sites will be retained throughout the National Park. Within the four Defined Villages the Authority will retain existing employment sites and also consider additional uses on these sites to allow for mixed use developments where:

• there is sufficient space on the existing employment site to retain the same amount of employment floorspace and accommodate a further activity on the site;
• the intensified use of the employment space means that at least the same level of employment will be retained on the site as during previous full operational use and additional space is created for another type of use; and
• the additional use is compatible with surrounding uses in terms of design, amenity and parking/traffic implications.

Policy DP44: Redevelopment of existing employment sites

The redevelopment of established employment sites for industrial, office, business and low-key storage uses will be permitted where there would be minimal additional visual, amenity or traffic impacts, the scheme deals comprehensively with the full extent of the site, replacement buildings are appropriate in scale/design/materials and the scheme is contained within the existing site boundary. Redevelopment for general warehousing will not be encouraged.

Policy DP45: Extensions to non-residential buildings and uses

The limited extension of existing non-residential buildings and uses (including agricultural, business, community and tourism uses) will be permitted where it would not materially increase the level of impact of the activity on the site and is contained within the existing site boundary.

Policy SP46: Sustainable tourism development

Sustainable tourism development will be supported where it provides opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park in a way that either enhances, or does not damage the Special Qualities. This will be facilitated by:

• supporting small-scale development of visitor facilities and accommodation using new or existing buildings in the four Defined Villages;
• retaining existing serviced visitor accommodation where it contributes to the sustainability of local communities;
• supporting opportunities to relieve visitor pressures where this would assist the conservation or enhancement of internationally or nationally designated nature conservation sites.

Policy DP47: Extensions to holiday parks and campsites

New campsites and extensions to existing holiday parks, caravan or camping sites will only be permitted to enable the removal of pitches from sensitive areas by relocation to a less sensitive area, provided there would be overall environmental benefits, no increase in overall site area or capacity and the original area is fully restored to an appropriate New Forest landscape.

Policy SP48: The land-based economy

Land-based businesses that help maintain the overall character and cultural identity of the National Park will be supported by working with key organisations to ensure the future viability of commoning; enabling affordable housing for commoners that includes land suitable for holdings; maintaining the supply of land available for back-up grazing; supporting farming and forestry through provision of agricultural and forestry buildings (Policy DP50); farm diversification where it sustains agricultural operation; and helping to support markets for local produce and products.

Policy DP49: Re-use of buildings outside the Defined Villages

The re-use of buildings outside Defined Villages will be permitted provided the proposal would not result in the loss of an employment use or community facility; would not involve a residential use (other than in accordance with Policy SP19); the building is appropriate in scale and appearance and capable of conversion without significant extension; and in the case of agricultural or forestry buildings, the building is genuinely redundant in its existing use and not capable of fulfilling any beneficial agricultural use.

Policy DP50: Agricultural and forestry buildings

Permission will be granted for buildings required for agriculture or forestry providing there is a functional need, the scale is commensurate with that need, the site is related physically and functionally to existing buildings unless exceptional circumstances apply and the buildings do not involve large or obtrusive structures which would be detrimental to the National Park.

Policy DP51: Recreational horse keeping

Permission will be granted for recreational horse keeping provided that the proposal does not have an adverse impact on the landscape or any nature conservation interests; does not harmfully increase riding pressures on the Open Forest; and does not result in the loss of back-up grazing land.

Policy DP52: Field shelters and stables

Permission will be granted for field shelters provided that the building is sensitively sited, simple in appearance and modest in scale and constructed of appropriate materials. The same considerations apply to stables although these should be located close to existing buildings.

Policy DP53: Maneges

The development of outdoor maneges will be permitted provided they do not result in any detrimental impact on the landscape and ecology of the New Forest and they do not involve the installation of lighting. Indoor maneges will only be permitted in accordance with the re-use of buildings policy DP49.

Chapter 9: Transport and access

Strategic objective for transport

Reduce the impacts of traffic on the special qualities of the National Park and provide a range of sustainable transport alternatives within the Park.

Policy SP54: Transport infrastructure

Further development of the strategic transport network will only be supported where it is an integral part of a longer-term strategy to address traffic congestion on the A31, or where alternative solutions including potential traffic demand management measures have been explored and are not feasible or appropriate.

Policy SP55: Access

The Authority will promote safer access and more sustainable forms of transport to and within the National Park for access to services and amenities and for enjoyment, health and well-being where appropriate by supporting:

• local transport initiatives such as the New Forest Tour;
• community transport initiatives such as the Lymington to Brockenhurst Community Rail Partnership;
• improvements to make existing paths, tracks and roads safer and more user-friendly;
• opportunities for the creation of a more joined-up network of routes for non-motorised transport;
• appropriate improvements to public transport facilities; and
• safeguarding of disused railway lines and roads from development that would compromise their future reuse as sustainable transport routes.

Parking and cycle standards

Required parking and cycle provision standards are set out in Annex 2 of this Plan. All new development proposals should comply with these standards. Reduced parking provision may be acceptable in certain circumstances, such as where there is relatively good accessibility by public transport.

Chapter 10: Monitoring and implementation

Monitoring

The National Park Authority produces an annual monitoring report to assess the effectiveness of the Local Plan policies and consider whether they are achieving the intended objectives and targets, or if trends indicate an early review of one or more policies is necessary. The Authority is also required to publish a State of the Park Report every five years.

Implementation and delivery

There are numerous key organisations involved in the day-to-day administration and management of the National Park. Parish and town councils have an important role in many aspects of management at a local level. The detailed assessment of infrastructure needs is set out in the Authority’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan.

Cross-boundary issues

The importance of cross-boundary partnership work is critical to the functioning of the National Park. Close working relationships with neighbouring authorities have been developed and fostered under the ‘duty to cooperate’. The Authority will work with Natural England and other local authorities to develop a strategic approach to prevent adverse effects on internationally designated nature conservation sites from recreational pressures and other effects.

Annex 1: New Forest National Park Special Qualities

The special qualities of the New Forest were identified through public consultation and include (summary):

• The New Forest’s outstanding natural beauty – a wide variety of landscapes including ancient woodland, heathland, meadows, rivers, streams and coastline;
• An extraordinary diversity of plants and animals and habitats of national and international importance;
• A unique historic cultural and archaeological heritage, from royal hunting ground to shipbuilding and saltmaking;
• An historic commoning system that maintains much of what people know as the ‘New Forest’;
• The iconic New Forest pony together with donkeys, pigs and cattle roaming free;
• Tranquillity in the midst of the busy, built-up south of England;
• Opportunities for quiet recreation, learning and discovery, together with open access on foot and horseback;
• A healthy environment: fresh air, clean water, local produce and a sense of 'wildness'; and
• Strong and distinctive local communities with a sense of identity and pride.

Annex 2: Car parking and cycle standards (summary)

Required provision (summary):

Residential

• 1-bedroom units: 1 car space per unit
• 2–3 bedroom units: 2 car spaces per unit
• 4+ bedroom units: 3 car spaces per unit

Commercial

• B1(a) offices: 1 space per 30 m2
• B2 general industrial: 1 space per 45 m2
• B8 warehouses: 1 space per 90 m2

Cycle parking standards are also specified and should be provided in line with Annex 2.

Annex 3: Local connections criteria (summary)

Policy SP20 and affordable housing policies require planning obligations to ensure occupancy of specialist housing and affordable housing is prioritised to people with a local connection. The local connection criteria are administered by the housing authorities (New Forest District Council, Wiltshire Council, Test Valley Borough Council). The strength of local connection with the rural parishes of the National Park is commonly defined in bands (for example, 10 years residence, 5 years, 2 years or family connections) and priority is given to persons with longer established local residence or employment. Planning obligations ensure dwellings remain available for local housing need in perpetuity.

Glossary (selected)

Affordable housing

Social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing provided to eligible households whose needs are not met by the market.

Commoners of the New Forest

Those people eligible to use rights of common, based on occupation of land to which common rights are attached. Practising commoners exercise their rights and pay marking fees to the Verderers.

Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)

Assessment under the Habitats Regulations to test whether plans or projects would have a likely significant effect on Natura 2000 sites.

National Park purposes

To conserve and enhance natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage; and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of special qualities. Authorities also have a duty to foster the economic and social wellbeing of local communities.

Special Area of Conservation (SAC) / Special Protection Area (SPA)

European designations for habitats (SAC) and birds (SPA) protected under EU directives and transposed into national law.