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New Forest National Park launches Local Plan review

The public are invited to share views on the future of one of England’s most treasured natural assets. 

The New Forest National Park Authority is looking for input from residents on protections, safeguards and potential development opportunities within one of England’s most prized woodland areas. 

More than 50% of the National Park  is currently designated as being of international importance to nature conservation as a whole. This is the highest percentage of land in any planning authority in the country, and as such the development of a new Local Plan could help set a blueprint for other environmentally significant-yet-vulnerable regions. 

‘The current National Park Local Plan was adopted in 2019 following extensive consultation and independent examination, and we are now looking to update it to ensure it stays relevant and effective,’ said Steve Trow, Chair of the Planning Committee at the New Forest National Park Authority.

‘Over the past five years, national planning policy has undergone significant changes, particularly in areas such as the climate and nature emergencies and meeting local housing needs. This partial review is an opportunity to positively address these areas and establish the best possible planning policy framework for the National Park,’ he continued. 

The National Park Authority receives around 500 individual planning applications each year. While approval is based on UK processes, framework and policy, a number of areas have been identified as ‘in scope’ for review based on the context of New Forest itself. These are now the focus of the consultation, which you can participate in here from 4th February to 18th March. 

More on climate and nature: 

What is the UK Nature Restoration Fund?

RSPCA Big Conversation: 1-in-4 UK households would swap real pets for robots

Image: Richard Loader via Unsplash 

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