Decision details

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommend that Council:

       i.         note the recommendations made in the Examiner’s Report (Appendix 1) into the Ringwood Neighbourhood Development Plan (Appendix 2 shows the submission plan);

     ii.         agree the Examiner’s proposed modifications and the NFDC responses to them as set out in the Decision Statement (Appendix 3);

    iii.         agree to make the necessary arrangements for the Ringwood Neighbourhood Development Plan to proceed to referendum (the date of the referendum is anticipated to be mid-July 2024).

KEY DECISION:

Report to Cabinet and Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Planning and Economy.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None

DISCUSSION:

The Leader invited Ringwood Town Councillor Gareth DeBoos to speak on the item. Councillor DeBoos thanked Town Councillors, ex District Councillors, NFDC officers, planning consultants, volunteers and the Local Planning Authorities for their assistance and support on developing a robust and positive plan.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy introduced the Ringwood Neighbourhood Development Plan - Examiner's Report. The Portfolio Holder highlighted the robustness of the plan and thanked all those involved in its development.

The Senior Policy Planner summarised the report and explained that the plan was a community-lead document which would become part of the District Council’s statutory development plan alongside the Local Plan.  It was explained that work was overseen by a steering group of Town Councillors and community representatives, alongside support from planning consultants and NFDC and National Park officers.

The process began in February 2021 and underwent a number of consultations and surveys held by the Town Council.  This culminated in the formal consultation that took place between August and September 2023, followed by the independent examination which was set out in the report attached as Appendix 1.  Reference was made to section 5 of the report and how it laid out the steps on how the referendum would be held by the Council’s electoral team and would follow the national requirements necessary for such a process.

Many Cabinet and non-Cabinet members thanked all those involved in the development of the plan and congratulations were given on how robust and thorough the plan was.  It was acknowledged how few and mild the examiner’s modifications were and it was hoped that the people of Ringwood would support the plan. Encouragement was given to all residents of Ringwood to engage with the referendum and make their thoughts and feelings known through their vote.

A request was made by a non-Cabinet member for collaboration between the New Forest National Park Authority and NFDC to create a combined, local heritage list.  The acting Assistant Director for Place Development confirmed that local heritage lists allowed Local Authorities to note the buildings and features that should designated as local heritage assets. It was explained that these heritage assets should be taken into consideration when weighing up planning applications in the District. The Assistant Director for Place Development explained that a combined list would be looked at through the Local Plan review or an equivalent process.