Residents’ views sought on town council’s proposed updates to New Milton Neighbourhood Plan

RESIDENTS are invited to have their say on new policies and updates proposed for New Milton’s “community-led” hyper-local vision.

The New Milton Neighbourhood Plan, which was adopted in May 2021 after a public referendum, sets out policies for sites to develop or protect, design quality, and projects that could be paid for with extra cash.

But, as reported in the A&T, the town council took it back under review two years ago amid local and national changes in terms of climate change, active travel and building design.

An early public engagement is being held from 10th to 21st March on the amendments, which include new policies for more energy-efficient building and environment and climate change.

There will also be consideration of how brownfield sites can be utilised to minimise green belt loss.

The neighbourhood plan for 2016-36 had been backed by a public vote of 6,702 in favour, with 781 against.

Its vision includes a new youth facility following the sell-off by Hampshire County Council of the Phoenix Centre on Culver Road in 2017 after 30 years of use.

Outline planning permission from New Forest District Council has since been awarded for the town council to build a youth and family hub off Gore Road.

Having purchased the land for around £100,000 in summer 2023, the council hopes to submit a bid to NFDC in May for community infrastructure levy (CIL) funding towards construction.

The Neighbourhood Plan also outlines hopes the New Milton Memorial Centre on Whitefield Road can be transformed into an “iconic” cultural and community hub.

As well as this, it sets out a vision for extra affordable homes for young people and families, along with new employment opportunities.

Its aims for the town centre cover shopping, living, working and leisure, with hopes for more new shops, as well as eateries to boost the night-time economy.

The document, which complies with NFDC’s overarching Local Plan, which itself has also been under review, is not binding but must be considered by developers and planners.

As part of the public engagement, in which people can take part online, two drop-in sessions are being held at the town hall on Ashley Road. These run from 3pm to 7pm on Friday 14th, and 9am to 1pm on Saturday 15th March.

A town council spokesperson said: “Please share this information with your neighbours! It’s your neighbourhood – your say!”

For more information visit newmiltonplan.org.uk