New Forest District Council is the Local Planning Authority for New Forest District outside the National Park. The current development plan documents for the area are the New Forest District (outside the National Park) Core Strategy (adopted October 2009) and the saved policies of the New Forest District Local Plan First Alteration (adopted August 2005).
View the list of saved policies 
View the Core Strategy here.
View the Inspector's Report of the Examination.
ALL pre-application discussions will now be based on the policies in the Core Strategy, together with the remaining 'saved' policies of the New Forest District Local Plan First Alteration.
Decisions made on planning applications will be based on the policies in the Core Strategy, together with the remaining 'saved' policies of the New Forest District Local Plan First Alteration.
Residential development
There are significant policy changes relating to the requirements for affordable housing and public open space which affect all proposals for new residential development. There are also requirements for a development to include energy and water efficiency measures. In particular attention is drawn to the following policies of the Core Strategy:
- CS4 Energy and resource use
- CS7 Open spaces, sport and recreation
- CS15 Affordable housing contribution requirements from developments
- CS25 Developers' contributions
If you are thinking about submitting a planning application in the near future, you are advised to read:
Affordable Housing requirements
There is no longer a site size threshold. Most residential developments are now required to include provision for affordable housing (see policy CS15). The level of affordable housing requirements have increased from 35% to either 50% or 40% depending on the location (see policy CS15).
Advisory Note on the Implementation of Core Strategy Policy CS15 .
Public Open Space requirements
Increased Public Open Space provision is required from new residential developments. The Public Open Space standard is now provision of 3.5ha per 1000 population (see policy CS7). Developments on sites of 0.5ha or more will be required to provide informal open space on site, including the provision of play spaces.
Energy and Resource use requirements
A note on the implementation of Policy CS4 (Energy and resource use) in the New Forest District (outside the National Park) Core Strategy can be viewed here.
In addition to the planning information contained in our own web pages, there is a wealth of general planning information and advice, including whether planning permission is required and how to submit an application on the Planning Portal which is a website maintained by the Department of Communities and Local Government. You can complete and submit an application form electronically via the Planning Portal.
Please note recent web updates regarding the emerging Core Strategy and additional 1APP forms.
Two new forms have been devised by DCLG which are available on the Planning Portal together with relevant guidance on how to complete them. Extension of time forms and Guidance Notes. Non -material amendment forms and Guidance Notes.
Search or comment on a current planning application
All planning applications and associated documents are published on our web site.
- You can track the progress of an application and can see all consultation comments that are made.
- For current applications there is an opportunity to make an online comment.
- You can view the decision that is made on an application.
To make an online search
Charging for approval of conditions
From 1 April 2009 New Forest District Council will charge a fee for any submissions seeking the discharge of conditions on a planning permission.
New Milton Local Distinctiveness Supplementary Planning Document
This guidance document is aimed at ensuring new development is well designed and respects local character and distinctiveness. It is the first of a series of guidance documents which the District Council will be preparing for the towns and villages across the District. For further information follow this link.
Planning in the New Forest National Park
Since 1 April 2006, planning in the National Park has been the responsibility of the National Park Authority. View a map of the National Park planning area.
If you have a planning enquiry in the National Park area, you will need to view the National Park Authority website. If your enquiry is not in the National Park, you should find it within this NFDC website.
