New Forest District Council’s (NFDC) Cabinet will next week (5 August 2026) consider switching to the government’s new planning system to produce a stronger, more deliverable Local Plan that reflects national reforms, Local Government Reorganisation, and the work already carried out with communities.
Significant national and local changes mean is considering moving to the new planning system in order to produce a stronger and more deliverable Local Plan
A report, to be considered by NFDC Cabinet members at their next Cabinet meeting (Wednesday 5 August) recommends moving from the current Local Plan process to preparation of a Local Plan under the government’s new planning system.
The change would allow work already completed to be carried forward while taking account of Local Government Reorganisation and forthcoming national planning reforms.
NFDC has been working on preparing a new Local Plan since 2024.
This has included carrying out research and technical studies, assessing potential development sites, and engaging with residents, businesses and other stakeholders through two rounds of public consultation.
Most recently, in early 2026, the council sought views on different options for accommodating future housing and employment needs, alongside supporting infrastructure and environmental protections across the district (outside the National Park)
The latest report (Agenda for Cabinet, 05/08/2026 ) details the work completed so far and the additional challenges the council faces in meeting the government’s December 2026 submission deadline for local plans being prepared under the existing plan-making system.
These challenges include forthcoming changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and the impact of the Local Government Reorganisation decision.
The report’s recommendations will be considered at the Cabinet meeting.
They set out how a change in direction for the Local Plan review could allow the council to refocus its resources in light of these challenges.
By taking this approach, the council would be better placed to positively plan for the future growth of the New Forest, while producing a robust Local Plan that provides greater certainty for residents, businesses and communities and supports sustainable growth across the area.
Further challenges have emerged as the government prepares additional changes to national planning policy later this year.
These changes are expected to affect how Local Plans are prepared and assessed, creating additional uncertainty for councils seeking to complete plans under the current system.
Local Government Reorganisation also presents challenges for future plan-making, as the district will become part of two new unitary councils.
Preparing a Local Plan under the new system would provide greater opportunities to work alongside neighbouring authorities and future unitary councils to develop a coordinated approach to future growth, infrastructure and environmental protection.
The proposed approach would allow the council to carry forward work already completed while adapting to significant changes in the wider planning system.
It would create greater opportunities for joint working with neighbouring authorities and future unitary councils, helping to develop a more coordinated and deliverable Local Plan that supports communities, infrastructure and the environment for the long term
If the recommendations are agreed at the Cabinet meeting, the report will then be taken to the next full Council meeting for consideration on Monday 14 September 2026.