Planning functions and policies
What effect will the Authority have on planning policies?
The National Park Authority took on its role as the sole local planning authority for the area within the National Park in April 2006. It is responsible for producing policies for spatial planning, including minerals and waste, appropriate to the National Park and its purposes. Policies will be developed jointly, or working closely, with the existing authorities (the district, borough and county councils). The range of planning documents (the Local Development Framework) will set out the Authority’s policies and proposals for the development and use of land in the National Park area over a period of up to ten years and will need to set out ways of supporting the social and economic well-being of local communities, while at the same time protecting the Park against harmful development.
Are there now tighter controls on development?
The New Forest was already covered by the special planning policy that applies to national parks in respect of major developments. National Park status has brought greater restrictions on minor development under the General Permitted Development Order. This means that some smaller modifications to buildings that previously did not need planning consent may now require it. Details are contained in the National Park Authority news release ‘Planning changes in the New Forest’, 28 March 2006.
Does the creation of a National Park mean that a bypass for Lyndhurst cannot now be built?
National Park status does not automatically preclude all major developments in the area, but they should not take place except in exceptional circumstances or where they are of national significance. The two purposes of national parks must be given great weight in planning policies and development control decisions, along with impact on the economic and social well-being of the local communities.
All applications for major development in national parks must be subject to the most rigorous examination looking at the public need; the environmental impact, notably on designated sites; the impact of allowing or refusing it on the local economy; and the possibility and cost of developing elsewhere or in some other way.
The National Park Authority became the local planning authority, not the local highway authority, on 1 April 2006. Hampshire County Council continues to be the local highway authority for Lyndhurst. It remains Hampshire County Council’s responsibility to consider whether to propose a bypass for Lyndhurst. If it wished to do so, it would consult the National Park Authority informally beforehand and the Authority would be a formal statutory consultee.
How will the Authority deal with planning applications?
At its meeting in June 2005, the Authority members decided that the Authority would set up its own independent planning team to deal with all applications within the National Park.
Where do I go to get advice on an individual application?
Planning advice for the area within the National Park is available from
The National Park Authority,
South Efford House,
Milford Road,
Lymington,
Hampshire
SO41 0JD,
telephone:01590 646600,
A planning ‘surgery’ is held at the Cottage, Queen’s House, Lyndhurst on Thursday mornings, 9.00 am – 1.00 pm.
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