NEW FOREST NATIONAL PARK PLAN AND NEW FOREST NATIONAL PARK RECREATION MANAGEMENT STRATEGY CONSULTATION DRAFTS

The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) has published its draft New Forest National Park Plan, which incorporates two statutory documents: the National Park Management Plan and the Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy, together with Development Control policies. The NPA has also published its draft Recreation Management Strategy. The Plan and the Strategy both have implications for the delivery of the County Council's services, including its statutory duties and responsibilities in respect of highways, public transport, rights of way, minerals and waste, children's services and adult services. The Cabinet considered a report detailing the key points of both documents together with a suggested response http://www.hants.gov.uk/decisions/decisions-docs/081027-cabine-R1023122113.html

While there are aspects of the Plan that accord with the County Council's own aspirations for rural Hampshire, the Council has responded that the Plan's restrictive approach to future development is regarded as potentially detrimental to the future sustainability of the National Park. A `zero growth' approach to development in the vast majority of the National Park is likely to have a significant impact on its economic viability. Proposed limitations on growth would also make it more difficult for the County Council to deliver its functions in relation to the provision of community facilities such as schools, health and emergency services.

Balancing the conservation needs of the New Forest whilst promoting the enjoyment of the National Park and protecting the economic and social well being of the local communities within its boundaries is of key importance. The proposed Plans from the NPA however are not felt to strike the right balance, particularly in relation to the emerging personalisation agenda and the provision of extra-care housing. The desire to provide affordable housing, particularly to help younger people remain in the area is welcome but the absence of policies for the growth of employment other than through home working and the development of redundant buildings will significantly limit the employment opportunities for such young workers.

Aspects of the recreational elements of the Plan are also of concern and the Council argues any proposals for management of the major groups such as horse riders, cyclists and dog walkers must be developed as a result of thorough research and arise out of extensive consultation with New Forest residents.

The development of a range of proposals for the future of the New Forest National Park without constructive consultation with the differing communities, interest groups and users to achieve balanced management policies that were agreeable to all was a source of regret to the Cabinet. The Cabinet agreed that the County Council has no intention of introducing or investigating road pricing. It also agreed that it does not foresee any circumstances when the County Council will share its statutory responsibility for highway, traffic matters or street lighting.

The Cabinet approved the response which is available on request from Democratic Services in the Chief Executive's Department.