Struggling New Forest town centre shops could be turned into homes

FLAGGING shops in New Forest town centres could be turned into homes, a district council report has revealed.

It said space also needs to be found for 800 more new properties outside the national park, as well as measures in response to issues such as climate change and affordable housing.

The ideas were part of the draft follow-up to New Forest District Council's Local Plan, the first part of which sets out how land outside of the national park will be developed until 2036.

The second phase will focus on smaller land allocations for developments of between 10 and 99 dwellings.

A report noted "at least 800 new homes" had been identified from smaller sites.

The council’s ruling cabinet voted to press ahead with the forming the strategy at their latest meeting.

The first phase of the Local Plan outlines how at least 10,000 new properties will be built on 18 strategic sites scattered across the district.

A report to members said the key policies of part two will include development in town centres which were facing "significant change".

It went on: "Part of this work will be looking at opportunities for increased town centre living.

"We need to look at how such changes can be managed positively and without diminishing the role of the town centre as a focus of community activity and as hubs of economic activity.

"This work will involve looking at potential sites for re-use or redevelopment as some town centre uses contract."

Climate change issues will be addressed, more planning of green infrastructure, and affordable housing and first-home building promoted.

The report highlighted the backdrop of the government planning a revamp of the country's planning system and how it has changed national housing targets.

It is also pursuing an environmental bill featuring natural environment, waste and resource efficiency and air and water quality targets.

The cabinet report said that if a review of NFDC's plans was needed because of any major government led changes, it was better to do one of the entire document later.

That was endorsed by Cllr Diane Andrews, cabinet member for planning, regeneration and infrastructure.

She said: "While potential changes are creating some uncertainty in the planning system in England, it is important that we make progress in key work areas, as set out."

The report said work on part two of the Local Plan will proceed over the next year. It added £350,000 had been budgeted and it was anticipated to complete it ahead of a public consultation sometime in early 2023.