Traffic concern over plans for recreation complex at the edge of the New Forest

PLANS for a major recreation and camping complex on a former landfill site inside the national park have sparked major concerns about its impact on the New Forest.

The draft proposal near Bramshaw, off the B3080, is understood to include a campsite, mountain bike track, picnic area, wild play facility, car parks, and visitor centre, rural workshop and refreshment sales.

If submitted and approved, it would be built on a former landfill site at Pound Bottom between Bramshaw Telegraph and Woodfalls.

Following an initial approach from the site developers, the verderers discussed the scheme in a closed committee meeting in July when members expressed “major” concerns about a site access onto the B3080, near Turf Hill car park.

Verderers clerk Sue Westwood said: “The two major concerns were the increased traffic on the B3080 and the increased pressure this could have on a sensitive area of the Forest.

“The B3078 Roger Penny Way which joins this road has the worst animal accident rate in the whole of the New Forest so anything that results in extra traffic is a big concern.”

It is understood that the development site could extend over 50 acres with a direct frontage onto the Forest.

The minutes of the verderers committee meeting revealed: “In particular, having access to the site off Forest Road will inevitably increase pressure from people on the area.”

Acknowledging that it was important to remain “open-minded” about ideas which could draw pressure away from sensitive areas of the Forest, the verderers said finding the right location was “vital”.

The minutes concluded: “The intention is to divert pressure from the Forest not add to it. This proposal is likely to add pressure.”

Lymington-based chartered surveyors Draycott confirmed it was working on the scheme on behalf of a developer, which has not yet been publicly named.

A spokesperson for Draycott told the A&T: “We are working with the various authorities such as the Forestry Commission, Natural England, RSPB and the New Forest National Park Authority to try and provide a public recreational space, which can be used instead of more sensitive habitats on the open forest.

“The strategic aim would be to prevent visitor impacts upon more sensitive habitats of the New Forest, whilst improving public access and recreational opportunities in the national park.

“The project is at early stages of consultation, and we’d be delighted to share the details with you if the project becomes feasible.”

Cllr Mark Medley, chair of Bramshaw Parish Council, said members had not been approached to discuss the plans.

He added: “I would need to see more details of what is being proposed before we can give a comprehensive view but my initial thought is that any increase in traffic would be a significant concern.”

The national park authority’s director of strategy and planning, Steve Avery, said: “We have given some initial pre-application advice and feedback on these early draft proposals and are awaiting further information and plans from the applicant before we can comment further.”

A spokesperson for Forestry England said it had been consulted on “preliminary plans” but that “no specific details were agreed”.