Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Davis, A Wade, Bellows and Ring.

To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item.  The nature of the interest must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.

Cllrs Bennison, Penman and Rackham all declared interests as members of the National Park Authority and who had voted on the document.

Cllrs Rackham and Bennison did not participate in the debate or vote on the matter.  Cllr Penman made a short statement but did not vote.

To note any issues raised during the public participation period.

There were no issues raised during the public participation session.

To note the findings from the NPA 2018 Future Forest consultation on recreation management, to endorse the Strategic Actions compiled by the NPA’s Recreation Management Strategy Steering Group, and note the NPA’s intention to undertake further investigation into the feasibility of a Local Development Order.

Cllrs Bennison, Penman and Rackham all declared interests as members of the National Park Authority and who had voted on the document.

Cllrs Rackham and Bennison did not participate in the debate or vote on the matter.  Cllr Penman made a short statement but did not vote.

The meeting noted the findings from the National Park Authority 2018 Future Forest Consultation on Recreation Management, the Strategic Actions compiled by the NPA’s Recreation Management Strategy Steering Group together with the NPA’s intention to undertake further investigation into the feasibility of a Local Development Order.

It was explained that the District Council was a consultee on the document, though the Council’s representatives had been involved throughout the preparation process, the Council’s stance was already known on the issues and it was supportive.  It was explained that the Strategic Actions included a review of car park locations to manage visitor activity and protect the National Park.

It was noted that increase in recreational pressure resulting from development in Test Valley, the New Forest District and National Park Authority area meant the increase in activity needed to be addressed.  The actions had been drawn up in consultation with Forestry England, Hampshire County Council, Natural England, National Park Authority and the New Forest Verderers, and had been a collaborative approach.

Members raised the following concerns in the context of the Strategy.

·            The need to mitigate road safety issues in the area and take account of the impact of cyclists

·            The need to consider closure of certain car parks during the nesting season

·            Parking charges and the effect on local residents

·            Educating the public to stay on appropriate roads and drive safely around animals

·            The need to ensure that any measures did not displace parking onto verges

·            Provision of information on parking to be clearly available, and good signage

·            The need to engage with younger age groups on the use of the Forest and in surveys

·            Consideration of the reduction of speed limits

In answer to a question, it was confirmed that car parks could be closed temporarily or permanently without a need for permission, but switching location of car parks would need permission.  The Local Development Order was a mechanism to set out guiding principles to ensure the locations of new car parks was considered holistically and dealt with appropriately for sensitive areas.  Forestry England would apply through the National Park Authority for changes where appropriate.

The National Park Authority representative thanked members for the valid points raised and emphasised that this was an iterative process, there was a lot of work behind the Strategy to cover the points made, and these would be taken into account.