Planning policy

Planning policies set the framework under which decisions on planning applications are made. They set out what development can happen, where it can take place and how much there can be.

New Forest has significant areas of nature conservation and landscape importance, so our planning policies also protect the natural environment and heritage.

Local planning policies are set out in a group of documents called the Local Development Framework (LDF).

Development Plan

The key policy document that sets the planning strategy for the district.

Planning policy guidance

If you submit a development proposal you should familiarise yourself with our planning policy guidance, as they might affect your proposals.

Neighbourhood planning

Giving local communities a say in how development happens in their area.