Consultation on Revised Local Requirements (planning)

The Government requires all local planning authorities to review their own local validation requirements to ensure  they are kept up-to-date and in line with current policy and guidance. We have reviewed the current local requirements and are now consulting on some revisions.

The consultation runs from 20 April 2026 to midday on 15 June 2026

The changes made reflect guidance in the Government’s National Planning Practice Guidance and seek to provide a more realistic reflection of what is deemed necessary from recent experience of validating applications.

The key changes include:

• Updated policy references;
• Clarification in relation to some plans and document types required; and
• Updates to reflect current legislation

These updates cover areas including Biodiversity Net Gain, nutrient budget calculations, and advice on exterior lighting.

The consultation document can be viewed here 

Proposed amendments are in red.

To submit your representations, please:

• Email comments to planning@newforestnpa.gov.uk or
• Post comments to Development Management Team, New Forest National Park Authority, Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington SO41 9ZG.