Local Plan review
Comment on our Issues and Scope document
What a Local Plan is
A Local Plan is a document prepared by the local planning authority which shapes how places will continue to change in the future.
As well as setting a vision for the future of the area, a Local Plan sets a strategy for how, when, and where needs of the community will be met. A good Local Plan looks to create a place where people want to live as well as create a sense of belonging. This includes addressing housing needs and providing policies to address locally identified specific matters.
In the New Forest, the National Park Authority is responsible for planning decisions within the National Park, and New Forest District Council is responsible for planning decisions in all areas of the district that fall outside the National Park boundary.
Local Plans need to be reviewed by the local planning authority who prepared them every 5 years. Once adopted the Local Plan provides the basis upon which future development proposals are assessed against.
Issues and scope consultation: Monday 17 February to Friday 4 April 2025
We are inviting residents, businesses, and stakeholders to share their views as part of the latest Local Plan consultation.
Watch all our short videos on YouTube explaining some of the important issues.
View the Issues and Scope Document online
Drop-in sessions: 26 February to 7 March 2025
We hosted 'drop-in' sessions at locations around our communities. Over 200 people attended and asked questions directly to our Planning Policy team. Thanks to everyone who came along, your issues and concerns raised will feed directly into the consultation.
| Venue | Address | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avonway Community Centre | 36 Shaftesbury St, Fordingbridge, SP6 1JF | 26 February | 2pm to 7pm |
Lymington Community Centre | Community Centre, Lymington, SO41 9BQ | 27 February | 2pm to 7pm |
| St Andrew's Church (Dibden Parish Hall) | Beaulieu Road, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, SO45 4PT | 28 February | 2pm to 7pm |
| New Milton Memorial Centre | Whitefield Rd, New Milton BH25 6DE | 3 March | 2pm to 7pm |
| West Totton Centre | Hazel Farm Rd, Totton, Southampton SO40 8WU | 4 March | 2pm to 7pm |
| Lloyd Recreation Hub | Lloyd Recreation Ground, Main Rd, Marchwood, Southampton SO40 4XB | 5 March | 2pm to 7pm |
| Greyfriars Community Centre | 44 Christchurch Rd, Ringwood BH24 1DW | 7 March | 2pm to 7pm |
Local Plan review
The Cabinet of 7 February 2024 approved the start of a full review of the adopted Local Plan. You can read the Cabinet report for further details.
The full review of the adopted Local Plan will include a review of the Local Plan Part 1: Planning Strategy 2020 and policies saved from earlier local plans as well as the preparation of a design code for the plan area.
The current programme for the review of our local plan review can be seen in our Local Development Scheme.
If you would like to be part of these Local Plan Review consultations, you can provide your details below so we can notify you directly.
Sign up to our local plan consultation database
You can also register for our citizen engagement platform, Go Vocal and submit suggestions to open consultations in our Local Plan folder.
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