Decision details

RESOLVED:  

That Cabinet:  

1. Noted the results of the public and key stakeholder consultation on the proposed extension of:  

• New Forest Public Spaces Protection Order 2023 (No.1) (‘PSPO No 1’) relating to the lighting of fires and BBQs on the open forest; and  

• New Forest Public Spaces Protection Order 2023 (No.2) (‘PSPO No 2’) relating to the feeding and petting of forest animals.  

2. Agreed that PSPO No 1 and PSPO No 2 should be extended in their current form from 1 July 2026 until 30 June 2029;  

3. Agreed to make the following orders extending PSPO No 1 and PSPO No 2:  

• New Forest Public Spaces Protection Order 2023 (No.1) Extension Order 2026 (Appendix 4)  

• New Forest Public Spaces Protection Order 2023 (No.2) Extension Order 2026 (Appendix 5)  

4. Authorised the affixing of the Common Seal of the Council to: -  

• New Forest Public Spaces Protection Order 2023 (No.1) Extension Order 2026  

• New Forest Public Spaces Protection Order 2023 (No.2) Extension Order 2026  

And authorise the Service Manager for Community Safety & Support to sign the Orders.  

5. Authorised the publishing of the extension of PSPO No 1 and PSPO No 2 on the Council’s website and giving public notice of their extension and effect in accordance with the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (Publication of Public Spaces Protection Orders) Regulations 2014;  

6. Authorised the Service Manager for Community Safety & Support to finalise all necessary arrangements with Partners, for enforcement, training and signage; and  

7. Authorised the postholders employed by Partners set out at Appendix 3 to be ‘authorised persons’ for the purposes of section 68 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 in respect of the Public Spaces Protection Orders (defined in the PSPOs as Authorised Officers), the subject of the report. 

KEY DECISION: 

Yes. 

PORTFOLIO:  

Community, Safety and Wellbeing. 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:  

As set out in the report.  

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:  

None. 

DISCUSSION: 

The Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing introduced the item and explained that it was a straightforward decision, which had received full support at the Housing and Communities Overview and Scrutiny. He commented that it was an order that the Council had within its power to use, which would see the protection and enhancement of the forest. 

The Service Manager – Community Safety & Support explained that, following the findings of the key stakeholders and Town & Parish Council consultation undertaken between 28 November 2025 to 19 December 2025 and the responses from the public consultation undertaken 14 July 2025 to 10 August 2025, 98% were in favour of extending the orders. 

A non-Cabinet member expressed his support for the extension of the orders and stated that it was sensible and the right thing to do. As the New Forest welcomed lots of tourists each year, he commented that the information on the orders should be communicated widely and, if possible, for the information to be provided to tourists prior to their visit. 

The Service Manager – Community Safety & Support responded by clarifying that the Council and partner agencies, the Verderers, Forestry England, New Forest National Park Authority and the Commoner’s Defence Association, were working on a strategy on enhancing awareness of the orders around the District as well as aiming this information further afield, in some cases providing it in different languages for visitors. 

Another non-Cabinet member expressed his support for extending the orders and commented on the almost universal support given during the consultations. He picked up on feedback on social media regarding how the Council can communicate the information of the orders and specifically how commenters had suggested whether this information could be signposted at the various car parks around the New Forest.