Consultative Panel Minutes 11 June 2026

2.1 Hampshire County Council (HCC) - A326 Improvement Scheme

Presenter: Martina Olley, Scheme Development & Programme Manager

• Ongoing delays linked to funding and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
• Project unlikely to commence before Spring 2029.
• Planned improvements include widening two sections and adding a second carriageway.
• Final decision to be made by the Department for Transport; delivery expected under the new Unitary Authority.

2.2 New Forest Together Campaign

Presenter: James Hartley Binns

• Petition now at 26,000 signatures.
• Continued legal and political efforts to challenge the decision and process.
• NFDC Cabinet members opted not to contest the decision following legal advice.

2.3 New Forest District Council (NFDC)

• CIL Grants: Applications open for organisations, community groups and businesses.
• Funding available through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), Community Grant Scheme and Supporting Local Business Grant Scheme.
• Deadline: 8 August 2026.

2.4 New Forest National Park Authority (NPA)

• Senior Structure Reorganisation:
  • Three functional heads: Alison Barnes, Nigel Stone, Paul Walton.
  • David Ilsley appointed Head of Planning.
• Local Plan:
  • Further consultations are ongoing.
  • To be presented at the July NPA Authority meeting.
  • Public comments encouraged.
  • Submission to the Planning Inspector planned.
  • Final draft expected December 2026.
• Major Planning Applications:
  • A326 (jointly determined with HCC)
  • Fawley Power Station
  • Solent Gateway 2
  • Vernon Dene: court of appeal decided in favour of the applicant (and against the National Park). A separate Planning Enforcement Case is continuing based on other rules broken outside those considered in the Park’s primary enforcement.
• Youth Board (Ages 18-30): Active engagement continues across the New Forest.
• Species Survival Fund: Reported as highly successful, with visible improvements now evident.

2.5 Forestry England

Presenter: Craig Harrison

• Richard Burke has moved to a new role.
• Charlotte Belcher introduced as new Recreation Management Lead.
• Ranger teams expanded.
• Car parking charges: No significant issues reported; full update expected in September.
• Ongoing repairs and temporary closures of forest car parks.

2.6 Verderers

Presenter: Edward Heron

• Equine flu is present in the Forest.
• Limited actions possible; stables and showgrounds may receive advisory notices.
• Vaccination strongly encouraged.
• Equine flu guidance reiterated.