ePetition details

1. Seek a formal Counsel Opinion

NFDC should urgently instruct a specialist public-law barrister to review the process, the criteria and the consultation evidence to determine whether there are solid grounds for legal challenge. This work could be carried out in collaboration with Test Valley Borough Council, who are also at risk of seeing parts of their area absorbed into Southampton. A joint approach would strengthen the case, share expertise and demonstrate unified local opposition. This is a standard, responsible step for any council facing a decision of this scale. Seeking a formal Counsel’s Opinion is a logical, proportionate and relatively inexpensive first step. It does not commit NFDC to legal action, it simply allows a specialist public-law barrister to assess whether the Government’s decision-making process meets the required standards. This is the safest and most responsible way for the Council to ‘test the waters’ before considering a Judicial Review. It ensures that any further action is grounded in expert advice, shared evidence, and a clear understanding of the legal position.

2. Pursue a Judicial Review if the Counsel Opinion confirms there are grounds

If the legal advice supports it, NFDC must act swiftly and pursue a Judicial Review to contest the break-up of the New Forest District. The window to act is extremely short. Once the proposals move to the next stage, reversing them becomes far harder.

The petition is hosted by Change.Org (https://www.change.org/p/keep-the-new-forest-together-stop-the-government-s-lgr-carve-up) and is currently still live. (as of 23 April 2026)

On reaching 1700 signatures a full council debate will be held.

This ePetition ran from 28/03/2026 to 23/04/2026 and has now finished.

5350 people signed this ePetition.