Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommends that Council:

1.     Notes the outcome of the referendum of 29 January 2026; and

2.     Agrees that the Lymington and Pennington Neighbourhood Plan be ‘made’ (adopted) as part of the Development Plan for New Forest District (Outside the National Park).

KEY DECISION:

Report to Cabinet and Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Planning and Economy

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy introduced the report. He explained that neighbourhood plans gave communities a direct role in the development of their local area. The plan had been developed over the last 10 years, with work being led by the Lymington and Pennington Town Council steering group, supported by NFDC and the National Park Authority. A referendum was held on 29 January which resulted in a 92.5% vote in support of the adoption of the plan. If NFDC were to formally adopt the plan at Council, it would form a part of the statutory development plan and would guide decisions made on planning applications.  

Non-Cabinet members congratulated the various bodies that had worked on the development of the plan and acknowledged the benefit it would bring the local area.  

The Planning Policy Team Leader gave thanks to those who had worked on the plan including, the Neighbourhood Plan steering group, the wider community and the Council’s Electoral Services team who facilitated the referendum.  

A non-Cabinet member asked a question on the development of the Fawley neighbourhood plan, to which Officers would respond after the meeting.