Housing topic paper

Explains the evidence and consultation behind housing policies in the New Forest National Park Local Plan 2016–2036 (Jan 2018). It sets housing delivery within strong national protection for National Parks and extensive habitat designations, meaning major development is generally ruled out and housing should focus on local needs, especially affordable homes. Monitoring shows about 249 dwellings were built from 2006–2017, averaging around 23 per year, mainly on windfall and exception sites. Updated 2017 analysis identifies an objectively assessed need of 1,260 dwellings from 2016–2036 (63 per year), with affordable need around 71 per year, but the Park cannot meet this in full. Viability work supports policies to limit new dwelling size, seek 50% affordable housing on sites of 3+ homes, and deliver rural exception schemes without open-market housing. Consultation influenced allocations, older people’s housing policies, and exclusion of greenfield sites within 400m of protected areas.