15 September 2025
NEW FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of the New Forest District Council held on Monday, 15 September 2025
* Cllr John Sleep (Chairman)
* Cllr Dave Penny (Vice-Chairman)
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Councillors: |
Councillors:
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* John Adams * Alan Alvey * Peter Armstrong * Geoffrey Blunden * Hilary Brand * Mark Clark * Steve Clarke * Jill Cleary * Kate Crisell * Sean Cullen * Jack Davies * Steve Davies * Philip Dowd * Barry Dunning * Jacqui England Richard Frampton * Allan Glass * David Harrison * Matthew Hartmann * David Hawkins John Haywood * Jeremy Heron * Nigel Linford
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* Patrick Mballa Colm McCarthy * David Millar * Ian Murray * Stephanie Osborne * Alan O'Sullivan * Adam Parker * Neville Penman * Dan Poole * Caroline Rackham * Alvin Reid * Joe Reilly * Janet Richards * Barry Rickman * Steve Rippon-Swaine * Michael Thierry * Derek Tipp * Neil Tungate * Alex Wade * Malcolm Wade * Christine Ward * Phil Woods * Richard Young
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*Present
Officers Attending:
Kate Ryan, Alan Bethune, James Carpenter, Richard Knott, Daniel Reynafarje, Karen Wardle and Matt Wisdom
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Frampton, Haywood and McCarthy.
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Minutes |
RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2025, be confirmed.
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Declarations of Interests |
There were no declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interests by Members.
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Chairman's Announcements |
Former Councillor – George Dart
The Chairman reported with great sadness of the passing of former Cllr George Dart. George had been elected in 2003 to the North Totton Ward and served continuously for 12 years, until 2015.
George served on the Economy and Planning Review Panel, the Environment Review Panel, Planning and Transformation Review Panel and the Planning Development Control Committee.
On behalf of the Council, the Chairman extended sincere condolences to George’s family and friends, and placed on record the Council’s thanks for his service to the District.
Chairman’s Engagements
The Chairman reported on the following engagements undertaken since the last Council meeting:-
Bower Lodge School in Dibden
The Chairman had attended the official opening of Bower Lodge School in Dibden and cut the ribbon with the senior management team, parents and school staff. The School Head, Jemma Dudgeon gave a guided tour of the new school building, which was very modern with facilities and brand new equipment throughout.
Civic Day
The Chairman’s Civic Day had been held at Hanger Farm, Totton, where the facilities on offer were showcased with the Manager, Jay, Director of Social Enterprise, who spoke about what they do as well as what Minstead Trust and Furzey Gardens also offered. The day was a great success and the Civic Heads who attended were very impressed. He understood that some had already visited Furzey Gardens.
New Forest & Hampshire County Show, Brockenhurst
At this event, staff had shared information about recycling and the new waste service. The Chairman reported he had spoken to many stall holders and visitors throughout the day.
Silver jubilee anniversary celebration of Fordingbridge Museum
The event had been attended by distinguished guests and a guided tour of the museum was interesting and informative.
Flag raising of the VJ80
The Chairman reported he had attended this, alongside Cllr Alvin Reid, the District Council’s Armed Forces Champion at Appletree Court.
Hampshire Scout Exhibition
The Chairman reported he had been pleased to attend the Hampshire Scout Exhibition return from Malawi, on Friday 1 August, where the scouts did a brilliant production and spoke about their experiences and how much it had affected them. They discussed the masses of work achieved at the three schools, this included decorating, building a brick kitchen room and cementing holes in floors and walls.
Salisbury Arcade Totton
The Chairman reported he had had the privilege to officially open the Salisbury Arcade, Totton. The event had been attended by Cllr Jill Cleary, Cllr Jeremy Heron and officers. The improvements made by NFDC enhanced the wider area.
Friends of New Forest Airfield memorial service
The Vice-Chairman, Cllr Dave Penny had attended the Friends of New Forest Airfield memorial service to remember those who flew from the New Forest airfield. It had been a lovely and well attended afternoon.
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Leader's Announcements |
The Leader made the following announcements:
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
The Leader’s focus at the current time was on securing the best possible outcome for the New Forest as the future of local government was being decided. Members would debate LGR at the Special Council meeting on 25 September. The Leader assured members that the council remained focused on the delivery of improvements to the district and people right now.
Ballard Lake, New Milton - Greenway Recreational Mitigation Project
The official opening to mark the completion of the improvements was held on Tuesday, 9 September. The Leader reported that she had attended the opening alongside Cllrs Blunden and Tipp, and was pleased to cut the official ribbon and to see the local beauty spot benefiting from accessible seating, improved footpaths and a picnic bench for residents and visitors to use to enjoy the views of the lake.
Salisbury Road Arcade, Totton
The Leader reported she had attended the official opening of Salisbury Road Arcade. The District Council had invested over £200,000 into improvements to Salisbury Road Arcade. At the opening event on Thursday, 11 September she got to see the improvements including new and reduced roof canopies, new ceilings, lighting, new branding signage, cycle racks, a public seating area as well as other aesthetic and material improvements to add vitality to the space.
Apprenticeship Hub
The District Council had teamed up with New Forest Business Partnership to deliver a new Apprenticeship hub. This would boost local skills, support residents and strengthen the economy of the district. It was funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The hub would ensure that businesses had the right people with the right skills for the future. It would help people of all ages access apprenticeships and training making it easier for them to gain the skills needed and be able to access jobs closer to home.
Silver award from the armed forces Employer Recognition Scheme
The District Council had recently been awarded silver from the armed forces employer recognition scheme. It was a prestigious award, recognising the ongoing commitment to support the armed forces community. The armed forces staff champion, Wesley Pay, who works in housing maintenance collected the award on behalf of NFDC. The award was testament to the commitment to support serving personal, veterans and military families across the district. The award had been displayed outside the Chief Executive’s office.
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Report of Cabinet - 6 August 2025 |
PART I – ITEMS RESOLVED BY CABINET
There were no speakers on the items resolved by Cabinet at its meeting on 6 August 2025.
PART II – RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
Item 5 – Revised Transformation Strategy and Business Case
Cllr Cleary introduced the item and moved the recommendations. She highlighted that the transformation strategy was a key element in the Corporate Plan and that transformation needed to be seen through the lens of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), looking at activities and investment. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.
A councillor questioned whether any lessons learnt from the rollout of the new waste strategy had been included within the updated strategy.
One member spoke in support of the revised transformation strategy, recognising the importance of maintaining a flexible approach in light of LGR.
RESOLVED:
That Council:
1. Noted the revised business case position; and
2. Approved the revised transformation strategy
Item 6 – Principal Risk Register Review
Cllr Cleary introduced the item and moved the recommendation. In doing so, she highlighted that the update to the Principal Risk Register was to meet the requirements of the council’s Risk Management Policy and to ensure that the council was compliant to the corporate governance requirements in relation to risk management. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.
A member noted risk PR14 (Waste Strategy Implementation) within the Principal Risk Register and felt that the problems experienced within phase 1 roll out had not been identified fully within this risk. It was highlighted that at the next Audit Committee meeting, members would consider this in more detail.
RESOLVED:
That the Principal Risk Register updated be adopted.
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Report of Cabinet - 3 September 2025 |
PART I – ITEMS RESOLVED BY CABINET
Item 1 – Financial Monitoring Report (based on performance April to June 2025 inclusive)
A councillor acknowledged that the report detailed funding spent on the waste roll out and sought clarification whether an update would be provided of further unbudgeted expenditure.
The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate clarified that the report detailed funding received from Defra of £151,000 and that a further £150,000, agreed by the Section 151 officer, had been allocated to the initial changes to the waste service roll out and the way the food waste was collected.
PART II – RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
Item 2 – Review of new waste collection service phase 1 roll out and motion to suspend phases 2 and 3
Cllr Blunden introduced the report and moved the recommendation, which sought that Council endorse the six Cabinet resolutions, as the correct and proportional response to the motion. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.
A number of members spoke raising concerns that the report and response did not adequately address the issues raised in the first phase of the roll out. It was felt that lessons learnt from the phase 1 rollout had not resolved the problems encountered by residents and that until they could be rectified, it was felt that the phase 2 and 3 roll out should not proceed.
The issue of donkeys accessing waste was raised and the ‘behind the gates’ policy which had been introduced for the pannage period within areas open to livestock. It was acknowledged that donkeys could access waste all year round and the view was expressed that a long term ‘behind the gates’ policy should be adopted, without waiting for the business case for come forward, and that Cabinet recommendation 3 be amended to reflect this. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate addressed this matter and expressed confidence that a ‘behind the gates’ collection policy would be maintained in the long term, however, good financial management was necessary to ensure that the costs associated with the proposed policy change were budgeted for, in line with financial regulations, and recognising that the council was accountable for expenditure of public money. It was therefore important to go through the due process before committing to any policy change.
Some ward members spoke from the Lymington and Pennington areas, raising the ongoing issue of missed food waste collections in Lymington, Pennington and Buckland. It was recognised by one member, that the situation had improved, but further work needed to be done. It was hoped that the problems experienced by residents in phase 1 would not be repeated in the future phases of the roll out.
One member spoke about the residents in the phase 1 roll out feeling that that they had not been listened to and that customer services had been difficult to contact due to the volume of enquiries. It was felt that the Extraordinary Council meeting had had a positive impact with clear evidence of listening to the concerns raised by residents and members and responding to them.
A few members referred to a recent site visit to discuss with local residents the problems experienced in Brockenhurst. One member had not felt reassured that the issues had been resolved and noted that the pannage season had not commenced at the time of the site visit, and concern was raised that the problems experienced in Brockenhurst could arise in the phase 2 roll out, in particular for the residents in Godshill and Hyde areas.
Members speaking in support of the recommendation recognised that the council had been responding to the problems identified through the phase 1 roll out and put in place mitigating actions and improvements the service. Learning from phase 1 was expected to benefit residents in phases 2 and 3. Views were expressed to support the roll out of phases 2 and 3 as programmed. It was highlighted that any pause or delay to the roll out could put the funding received at risk. It was also highlighted that some residents wanted the roll out to proceed as planned, as the new service would address problems with seagull strikes with the current sack collection service. One member felt that the roll out of the new service had been conducted in an acceptable way and whilst acknowledging that there had been some issues, in general it had been a success.
It was highlighted that some Cabinet members were part of the Waste Steering Group and it was suggested that in addition to this, backbench members be appointed to express their views on the roll out of the waste service. This was supported by some other members. It was also suggested that in order to improve communication, ward members be provided with details of any missed collections to disseminate to residents. Furthermore, clarity was sought in relation to the KPIs on the waste service, highlighting that this was a core service affecting all residents and that there should be clear monthly data reported against relevant KPI’s.
Members recognised the importance of providing a good waste and recycling service to residents and that it was necessary to get it right.
Cllr Blunden responded to the debate, acknowledging that he had listened to the concerns raised and the constructive solutions put forward. There had been an opportunity for members to put forward their views at various meetings, including the Extraordinary council meeting as well as Cabinet. All suggestions and comments had been picked up by the Waste Steering Group and he assured members that these had been considered.
It was suggested that details of individual cases be provided through the waste advisor route, to resolve any ongoing problems.
It was highlighted that recommendation 3 from the Cabinet meeting, gave an, in principal agreement, to prevent livestock in the forest accessing food waste, with a permanent behind the gates policy. This demonstrated a clear direction of travel, but it was necessary to consider the detailed costs associated with this policy and that it would need to go back to Council for a decision.
RESOLVED:
That Council endorse the Cabinet’s resolutions, as the correct and proportionate response to the motion.
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Questions |
Questions were put and answered under Standing Order 22, as follows:-
· From Cllr O’Sullivan to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, regarding the lessons learnt from phase 1 of the rollout of the new waste service.
· From Cllr Reid to the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, Cllr S Davies, regarding future shared ownership home opportunities.
· From Cllr Murray to the Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing, Cllr Poole on progress of the New Forest Community Lottery Scheme.
· From Cllr Rippon-Swaine to the Leader, Cllr Cleary, regarding the impact of LGR on the Corporate Plan priorities.
· From Cllr Glass to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, Cllr Tipp seeking a progress update on the Skills Action Plan.
· From Cllr Young to the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate, Cllr Heron on the workload of customer services.
· From Cllr Ward to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden on the coastal management preparation for winter storms.
· From Cllr M Wade to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, on the property surveys for wheelie bins.
· From Cllr J Davies to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, on uncollected food waste in Marsh Lane / Lower Buckland areas.
· From Cllr McCarthy to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, on risk assessment and mitigation to prevent animals accessing food waste.
· From Cllr Mballa to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on the tangible benefits of the Freeport.
· From Cllr Woods to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, on parking income from the Fordingbridge car parks.
· From Cllr Rackham to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, on the Waterwatch scheme.
· From Cllr M Clark to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on LGR and a joint proposal with Hampshire County Council.
· From Cllr Dowd to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on LGR and the potential for service reductions or council tax increases in the medium term.
· From Cllr Harrison to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on the NFDC LGR public consultation.
· From Cllr J Davies to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, Cllr Tipp, on the loss of family homes to second homes and short term lets.
· From Cllr Rackham to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, on the parking income from the Totton car parks in the last financial year.
Note: A copy of the full questions and replies are attached to these minutes.
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Notice of Motion |
The Chairman announced that in accordance with Standing Order 42.2, that he would allow the motion to be dealt with at the meeting, as he considered it to be convenient to the despatch of business.
In accordance with Standing Order 21, Cllr J Davies moved the following motion:-
Re-instating the one-hour free parking period on Lymington High Street
Council notes:
· That Hampshire County Council is responsible for on-street parking across the county, including in the New Forest.
· That the free on-street parking period in Lymington has been reduced from one hour to just twenty minutes.
· That local shopkeepers and residents have raised concerns that twenty minutes is not long enough for people to use multiple shops, visit cafés, or support local services on the high street.
· That Lymington and Pennington Town Council recently voted to support the campaign by shopkeepers for the reinstatement of the one-hour free parking period on Lymington High Street.
Council believes:
· That the reduction from one hour to twenty minutes free parking is damaging to the vitality of Lymington High Street.
· That a reasonable period of free parking supports both residents during a cost-of-living crisis and our small businesses who rely on local footfall.
· That the council should support the campaign by local shopkeepers in pressing for fairer parking policy.
Council recommends:
· That the Leader of the Council writes formally to Hampshire County Council requesting the reinstatement of at least one hour of free on-street parking in Lymington (with correspondence to be made available to all councillors).
· That the council engages with local business groups, chambers of commerce, and residents’ associations to gather evidence on the impact of parking policy on high streets across the district, to strengthen the case for fairer parking provision.
Cllr J Davies addressed the motion, highlighting that Lymington high street was at the heart of the town, that it was a place of history, business and of community. The heart was being weakened as a result of the HCC decision to remove the one hour free parking, therefore impacting on residents and businesses. He asked that the council request HCC to restore the one-hour free parking in support of Lymington businesses, the people and the future of the town.
Cllr M Wade seconded the motion.
Cllr Cleary proposed an amendment to the motion which added the following points under council notes:
· That work is already underway to address concerns about parking policy, including active engagement by local Lymington ward councillors with residents, businesses, and Hampshire County Council.
· That ward councillors have been working to raise awareness of the impact of the reduced free parking period and to support the campaign for reinstatement through formal and informal channels.
· That this local work has helped to bring attention to the issue.
Cllr Cleary also proposed an amendment to the motion that the following bullet point be removed, under council recommends:
· That the council engages with local business groups, chambers of commerce, and residents’ associations to gather evidence on the impact of parking policy on high streets across the district, to strengthen the case for fairer parking provision.
Cllr Heron seconded the amendment.
A number of members spoke in opposition to the amendment on the basis that they felt it would slow down any decision, and that the retailers needed more immediate support to ensure their financial sustainability. It was felt that the District Council should do all it could to engage and to show support to local businesses.
Members who spoke in support of the amendment felt that it demonstrated ongoing support for retailers. It was recognised that the local members, in particular Cllr Dunning, had been working with local businesses to put pressure on Hampshire County Council to restore the one-hour free parking and that a deputation would be made at a HCC Universal Services Committee meeting on 20 October which would discuss on street parking across Hampshire. It was felt that the amendment should be supported as it sought to support to work being carried out by the local ward councillors.
Cllr J Davies reported that he had no concerns regarding the inclusion of the additional points proposed under “council notes”, however he did not support the removal of the point under “council recommends”, as he felt it was crucial to the intention of the motion. He therefore did not support the amendment.
Put to the vote, the amendment was carried.
Members went on to debate the substantive motion.
Those who spoke in support of the motion recognised that the removal of the one hour free parking had had an impact, with a reduction in footfall on the high street and that the businesses and retailers had seen this impact with reduced trade. A petition had been brought forward by a local shop owner and this had 7,000 signatures, requesting to change the free parking period to one hour. It was recognised that if a town like Lymington had seen an impact in footfall as a result of the parking charge, then other towns, such as New Milton or Hythe in the district would also see an impact if similar parking charges were introduced. Members therefore felt it was important to support the towns and the local businesses in the district.
One member suggested that the District Council could consider options around the NFDC car parks and provide an hour free parking to support local businesses and the high street.
RESOLVED:
Re-instating the one-hour free parking period on Lymington High Street
Council notes:
· That Hampshire County Council is responsible for on-street parking across the county, including in the New Forest.
· That the free on-street parking period in Lymington has been reduced from one hour to just twenty minutes.
· That local shopkeepers and residents have raised concerns that twenty minutes is not long enough for people to use multiple shops, visit cafés, or support local services on the high street.
· That Lymington and Pennington Town Council recently voted to support the campaign by shopkeepers for the reinstatement of the one-hour free parking period on Lymington High Street.
That Council further notes:-
· That work is already underway to address concerns about parking policy, including active engagement by local Lymington ward councillors with residents, businesses, and Hampshire County Council.
· That ward councillors have been working to raise awareness of the impact of the reduced free parking period and to support the campaign for reinstatement through formal and informal channels.
· That this local work has helped to bring attention to the issue.
Council believes:
· That the reduction from one hour to twenty minutes free parking is damaging to the vitality of Lymington High Street.
· That a reasonable period of free parking supports both residents during a cost-of-living crisis and our small businesses who rely on local footfall.
· That the council should support the campaign by local shopkeepers in pressing for fairer parking policy.
Council recommends:
· That the Leader of the Council writes formally to Hampshire County Council requesting the reinstatement of at least one hour of free on-street parking in Lymington (with correspondence to be made available to all councillors).
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Membership of Committees and Panels |
There were no changes.
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Future Meeting Dates for 2026/2027 |
RESOLVED:
That the following meeting dates for the 2026/27 municipal year, be agreed (Mondays, 6.30 pm):-
2026
18 May – AGM (Already agreed)
13 July
14 September
12 October
14 December
2027
22 February
12 April
17 May - AGM
CHAIRMAN