Strategic Land Availability Assessment

Executive Summary

The Land Availability Assessment (LAA) is a key part of a local planning authority’s evidence base. It looks at potential sites for housing, employment, travellers and other uses, and considers whether they are appropriate, deliverable and developable, and when they could be developed.

This assessment is a technical report which provides evidence of land availability across the New Forest National Park. In accordance with the requirements of national planning policy and guidance, the assessment considers the suitability of sites identified within the National Park for a range of potential development and the likelihood of development coming forward (the availability and achievability of sites). In considering this Strategic Land Availability Assessment it should be emphasised that:

• The Assessment does not allocate sites to be developed and is not part of the statutory ‘development plan’ for the National Park. It is instead one of many pieces of evidence that informs the Authority’s Local Plan Review. The allocation of sites for housing, employment or other development will be determined through either the Local Plan 2024 – 2043; or any future Neighbourhood Development Plans prepared in the National Park.
• The identification of potential development sites within the SLAA does not imply that planning permission would be granted for residential development. The SLAA is a high-level assessment of potential development land availability. Planning applications on sites identified within the SLAA will be determined on their merits in line with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
• The omission of sites from the assessment does not preclude the possibility of planning permission being granted for development in the future. It is acknowledged that sites will come forward that may be suitable for development that have not been identified in this SLAA. A number of sites identified in this SLAA may be suitable as rural exception sites (rather than Local Plan allocations), or for habitat mitigation schemes, and these are best progressed through the development management process.
• This SLAA report is the outcome of work carried out up to September 2025. It therefore represents a snapshot in time and the status of individual sites may change over time.

A total of nine sites were identified as being suitable for a range of development. These are sites that relate well to existing settlements and local amenities and will not impact the nature conservation designations or landscape character of the National Park. However, this assessment has not taken into account the evidence base studies and other assessments that will inform the Local Plan Review, such as the settlement boundary review, spatial strategy and settlement hierarchy review.

Of the remaining sites, the Assessment also notes some of the sites may have the potential to be considered as rural exception sites to meet local affordable housing needs in communities outside the Defined Villages of the National Park. These sites would be progressed through the planning application route rather than Local Plan allocations.

Appendix A to this report sets out the criteria against which sites have been assessed.

Appendix B provides a summary of the sites within the National Park that are considered to be suitable for development, available and achievable.

Appendix C provides a summary of the sites that have been rejected as either being unsuitable, unavailable or unachievable for development. These are grouped by parish in alphabetical order.

Appendix D sets out the maps of the sites submitted.

1. Introduction

1.1 The New Forest National Park Authority is undertaking a review of the local planning policies covering the National Park – currently contained within the New Forest National Park Local Plan 2016 - 2036 (adopted August 2019). To support the review the Authority is preparing a number of evidence base studies, in particular exploring the level of housing need, demand and supply for employment development and likely need for future sites for travellers and travelling showpeople.

1.2 This Strategic Land Availability Assessment (SLAA) is an important part of that evidence base for the Authority’s Local Plan Review in assessing the suitability and availability of land for a range of development options.

1.3 The Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) resource both confirm that the assessment of land availability is a key step in the preparation of Local Plans. In a New Forest National Park context, the assessment of land for housing, economic and other development must also give full weight to the protection afforded to the landscape of the area (as per paragraphs 189 and 190 of the NPPF). Additionally, the Government’s Vision and Circular for the English National Parks (2010) confirms that National Parks are not suitable locations for unrestricted housing and new housing should be focused on meeting local affordable housing requirements.

1.4 The PPG suggests a standard process for undertaking a SLAA and this report sets out how the SLAA has been prepared in relation to the standard process in the Practice Guidance. The conclusions represent a snapshot in time and therefore some of the information contained within this report may well have changed since the sites were initially assessed.

1.5 As part of the consultation on Regulation 18 (Part 1) of the New Forest National Park Local Plan Review, undertaken in February and March 2025, the Authority carried out a ‘Call for Sites’. This invited site submissions from landowners, developers and others to be considered as potential development sites supporting the Local Plan Review. Submitted sites would be considered for a range of development uses including, but not limited to, residential, employment, renewable energy, habitat mitigation, and travellers and travelling showpeople. The Call for Sites exercise was left open and available on our website for submissions until August 2025.

2. Aims of the Assessment

2.1 The NPPF states that planning authorities should “have a clear understanding of the land available in their area through the preparation of a strategic housing land availability assessment” (paragraph 72). This has been broadened to include consideration of suitable sites not only for housing but other uses such as employment, travellers and renewable energy.

2.2 The SLAA forms a key component of the evidence base to underpin planning policies in the Local Plan. The PPG states that assessments should:

• Identify sites and broad locations with potential for development
• Assess the development potential of the sites
• Assess the suitability of the sites and the likelihood of development coming forward (the availability and achievability).

3. Methodology

3.1 The PPG sets out guidance which indicates what inputs and processes can lead to a robust assessment of land availability. This process is summarised in the following diagram.

Stage 1: Site / broad location identification

3.2 This SLAA covers the entire New Forest National Park, as this is the plan-making area of the adopted New Forest National Park Local Plan (2019) and the emerging review.

3.3 The PPG (Paragraph: 009 Reference ID: 3-009-20190722) suggests that that planning authorities should consider all sites and broad locations capable of delivering 5 or more dwellings, or economic development on sites of 0.25 hectares (or 500 square metres of floor space) and above. However, alternative site size thresholds can also be considered. The National Park Authority considers it appropriate to consider all suitable and available sites with no site size limit or minimum dwelling threshold, given the more limited scale of development in the New Forest and the national policy emphasis on small scale development to meet local needs in National Parks.

3.4 The PPG states that Plan makers should “…issue a call for sites and broad locations for development” (Paragraph: 012 Reference ID: 3-012-20190722) and that it should comprise a “comprehensive list of sites and broad locations derived from data sources and the call for sites.” (Paragraph: 013 Reference ID: 3-013-20190722).

3.5 In accordance with this guidance, the Authority undertook a ‘Call for Sites’ exercise in parallel with the consultation on the New Forest National Park Local Plan Review Regulation 18 (Part 1) in February and March 2025. The ‘Call for Sites’ process has been kept open with forms available on the Authority’s website and submissions accepted up to August 2025.

3.6 In addition to sites submitted through these processes, the Authority also considered other sources of potential development land, including sites subject to pre-application advice and sites within the National Park on the Register of Surplus Land. The main public sector bodies with land within the National Park were contacted to highlight the assessment and invite submissions.

3.7 In line with the PPG, stage 1 of the assessment considered the suitability of the identified site against key designations and criteria where development within the National Park would not be acceptable. The PPG states that sites which have particular policy constraints, “…need to be included in the assessment for the sake of comprehensiveness but these constraints need to be set out clearly, including where they severely restrict development.” (Paragraph: 010 Reference ID: 3-010-20190722). These key constraints are listed below and any sites put forward through the SLAA process that are within the areas outlined below have been assessed as not being suitable as national and local policy advises against development within these areas. The only exception is where the site forms part of a major development site where the ‘exceptional circumstances’ tests in paragraph 190 of the NPPF apply.

3.8 The NPPG states that site assessments should be proportionate to the detail required for a robust appraisal, as “it will not be appropriate to carry out these more detailed assessments...where it is clear that they will not be suitable for development” (Paragraph 014 Reference ID: 3-014-20190722).

Sites and areas excluded from the Assessment at Stage 1

Sites wholly or largely within any one of the following designations:

• Ancient Woodland
• Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) in Hampshire
• County Wildlife Sites in Wiltshire
• Local Nature Reserves (LNR)
• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• Special Protection Area (SPA)
• Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Ramsar sites
• National Nature Reserves (NNR)
• Local Geological Sites (LGS) (Formerly known as Regionally Important Geological Sites)
• Scheduled Monuments
• Sites on the Historic England Register of Historic Parks and Gardens
• Flood risk zone 3 as defined by the latest Environment Agency maps

Stage 2: Site Assessment

3.9 All the sites which were not excluded from the assessment under the Stage 1 criteria outlined above progressed to a more detailed Stage 2 assessment. This covered a wider range of criteria, with the aim being to identify land with development potential appropriate to the New Forest National Park context. Set out below are the main criteria used during the Stage 2 assessment of potential sites and a copy of the full proforma is set out in Appendix A of this assessment.

• Landscape character – the site’s relationship to existing settlements and development; whether it is a brownfield or greenfield site; potential impacts on protected trees and hedgerows.
• Biodiversity – the proximity of the site to international (SPA, SAC, Ramsar); national (SSSI); and local (SINCs, County Wildlife sites) habitat designations. Over half of the National Park is designated as being of international importance for nature conservation and this is a major factor in the SLAA exercise. In Spring 2017, whilst preparing the current adopted National Park Local Plan, Natural England advised against allocating greenfield C3 housing land within 400 metres of the New Forest SPA and this has continued to be a key criteria in the assessment of many of the identified sites given that the SPA and the 400 metre zone around it cover over two thirds of the National Park.
• Built environment – potential impacts on the historic environment, including the setting of a Listed Building or Conservation Area, Scheduled Monument; sites on the Sites and Monument record; or a Historic Park and Garden.
• Special qualities of the New Forest National Park – the potential impact of developing the site on the levels of light pollution and/or potential impacts on particularly tranquil areas as defined by the New Forest National Park Tranquillity Map.
• Agricultural land classification – would the development of the site involve the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land.
• Access to public transport – how well the site relates to public transport in the area, focusing mainly on the rail and bus network.
• Access to services and facilities – whether the site is within or adjacent to one of the four ‘defined villages’ in the adopted Local Plan; within or adjacent to a settlement with at least 5 essential services; or not related to a settlement with any services. Preparation of the Local Plan Review includes a review of the settlement hierarchy, assessment of the current boundary and capacity of the larger, more sustainable settlements identified as ‘Defined Villages’, and potential options for an alternative spatial strategy. Sites adjacent to villages with more community services and facilities will be assessed more positively, especially where they demonstrate a 20 minute neighbourhood, (i.e within 800m walking distance of key amenities) as set out in the recently adopted Hampshire Local Transport Plan 4.
• Access - whether the site has an existing road access, proximity to existing pedestrian footpaths; links to the surrounding Public Rights of Way network.
• Compatibility with surrounding uses – whether the development would be compatible with existing surrounding uses; whether development may result in the loss of existing employment land.
• Particular site constraints – for example, evidence of contamination, underground or overhead services; whether the site is adequately served by existing infrastructure.
• Open space / recreational facilities – would the development of the site result in the loss of open space / recreational facilities; could new provision be provided as part of the development.

3.10 Appendices B and C of this assessment set out all the sites assessed with a summary of the assessment conclusions, with sites maps set out in Appendix D. This includes sites that were excluded under the first stage of the assessment due to conflict with the key constraints and designations listed on page 8 of this report.

Approach to potential rural exception sites

3.11 In accordance with Government guidance on the delivery of affordable housing for local needs in the National Park, the planning policies for the area support appropriate rural exception sites within settlements across the National Park. Rural exception sites are key to the delivery of affordable housing in National Parks and are the principal planning policy tool enabling the delivery of affordable housing for local people in the smaller settlements of the New Forest. Some of the sites submitted may have potential to be progressed as rural exception sites. These sites are typically small (with capacity for around 2 – 15 dwellings); are not located within the Defined Villages or larger rural settlements; and are better suited to delivering small scale affordable housing for local people in rural communities.

Assessing suitability for future development sites

3.12 A site is considered suitable for housing development if it offers a suitable location for development and would contribute to the creation of sustainable communities. The main factors that make a site suitable for housing are considered through the assessment process outlined above and include the potential landscape impacts and proximity to protected habitats. One of the key assessment criteria is whether the site is related to a village within the National Park with some local services and facilities. None of the settlements in the New Forest National Park have populations of more than 3,500 people and many of the settlements are rural, with limited local services. Sites in the open countryside of the National Park, not within or adjoining a village, would not be assessed positively against the assessment criteria.

3.13 An estimate of the housing potential of each site was made. Where information on the numbers of dwellings that a site could support exists - such as from a planning application or information provided in the ‘Call for Sites’ submission - this figure has been used.

Assessing availability for future development sites

3.14 The PPG sets out the factors to be considered in assessing whether sites are available. The Guidance states that, “A site can be considered available for development, when, on the best information available... there is confidence that there are no legal or ownership impediments to development, such as unresolved multiple ownerships.” (Paragraph: 019 Reference ID: 3-019-20190722). The information submitted through the respective ‘Call for Sites’ processes is an important input into the assessment of site availability. In some cases, there has been further correspondence or meetings to explore this and other matters.

Assessing achievability for future development sites

3.15 The PPG states that a site is considered achievable for development where there is a reasonable prospect that the particular type of development will be developed on the site at a particular point in time. “This is essentially a judgement about the economic viability of a site.” (Paragraph: 020 Reference ID: 3-020-20190722). Likewise, the NPPF emphasises the importance of viability as a key aspect in understanding whether a site is achievable.

3.16 The Authority has commissioned an Economic Viability Assessment (Three Dragons) to inform the preparation of the Local Plan Review. The viability assessment will test a range of development scenarios and indicate whether there are any major viability challenges to developing housing within the National Park.

Overcoming constraints

3.17 National guidance states that where constraints have been identified, the SLAA should consider what action would be needed to remove them. For potential housing sites within the National Park, the most significant ‘constraints’ to development are impacts on the landscape of the National Park, and impacts on the protected habitats in the New Forest. These ‘constraints’ are very challenging to overcome as the protection afforded to the landscape and habitats of the New Forest is enshrined in statute. Where appropriate, the Local Plan Review will be informed by the Habitats Regulations Assessment and factor in mitigation measures in the specific site allocations such as restrictions on the area of land that can be developed; the requirement to protect significant trees on the site; or the requirement for significant supporting green infrastructure as part of the development. Where potential impacts cannot be mitigated, the site has been excluded from the SLAA supply.

Stage 3: Windfall Sites

3.18 Windfall sites are sites that have not been allocated for housing in a development plan. They typically comprise previously developed sites that have unexpectedly become available, but can also include greenfield sites which have not previously been identified or allocated. Paragraph 75 of the NPPF states that local planning authorities may make an allowance for windfall sites if they have compelling evidence that such sites have consistently become available in the local area and will continue to provide a reliable source of supply.

3.19 A review of past dwelling completions in the National Park provides evidence of the record of windfall development and the justification for including a windfall allowance within the Local Plan. The table below sets out the dwelling completions on windfall sites within the National Park in each year since the Authority assumed its full planning responsibilities in April 2006. An average of 27 dwellings per annum have been completed on windfall sites in the National Park.

Stage 4: Assessment Review

3.20 The amount of supply identified within this SLAA forms an input into the Local Plan review process. Ultimately it is the role of the Local Plan to set out the quantum of housing and associated development proposed in the National Park, based on the conclusions of this SLAA and other evidence base studies such as the assessment of housing and employment needs, settlement hierarchy study and Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment.

4. Conclusions

4.1 This SLAA provides evidence that an assessment of potential sites for housing development within the New Forest National Park has been undertaken. In total, nine sites have been identified through the various ‘Call for Sites’ exercises and other sources. It should be noted that the Authority received a number of duplicate submissions for some sites through the ‘Call for Sites’ processes. All of the sites identified have been assessed with the following conclusions:

• Two sites were excluded from the assessment at Stage 1, based on the amount of land falling within flood risk zones 2 and 3, and the amount of sensitive nature conservation designations.
• Of the sites that progressed to a more detailed assessment, a total of nine were found to have potential for development for housing or other uses (i.e. found to be suitable, available and achievable). These sites were then considered for potential allocations through the plan-making process, factoring in the spatial strategy and settlement hierarchy.
• The remaining sites were considered to be unsuitable, unavailable or unachievable (or a combination of the three), primarily due to the proximity of protected habitats or the lack of services in the vicinity of the site meaning they were not appropriate locations for additional housing land allocations.
• Some of these sites may have potential to be considered as rural exception sites to meet local affordable housing needs in communities outside the Defined Villages of the National Park. These sites would be progressed through the planning application route rather than Local Plan allocations.

4.2 Details of all the sites assessed are included in Appendices B and C, and site maps are set out in Appendix D.

APPENDIX A: Assessment site criteria

NEW FOREST NATIONAL PARK

STRATEGIC LAND AVAILABILITY ASSESSMENT PROFORMA

SITE DETAILS

SLAA Reference

Address

Postcode

OS Grid Reference

Parish

Ownership

Current land uses

Proposed uses

Source

SITE DESCRIPTION

Brief description of the site, including details of its setting and context

PLANNING HISTORY

Planning status

None / Proposal / Pre-app / Outline / Full

Pertinent Planning Information

References / history / under construction etc.

SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT AND AVAILABILITY ASSESSMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

A Biodiversity

What is the potential impact upon important sites or upon the habitat of any protected flora or fauna? (SPA, SAC, Ancient Woodland, SSSI, SINCs)

A1 European & International Sites

• Site is more than 2km from a Natura 2000 / International site
• Site is 400m - 2km from a Natura 2000/ International site
• Site is within 400m of a Natura 2000 / International site

Commentary:

A2 National Sites

• Site is more than 2km from a SSSI
• Site is 400m - 2km from a SSSI
• Site is within 400m of a SSSI

Commentary:

A3 Ancient Woodland and SINCs

• Site is more than 2km from a SINC or Ancient Woodland
• Site is 400m - 2km from a SINC or Ancient Woodland
• Site is within 400m of a SINC or Ancient Woodland

Commentary:

B1 Landscape

What would be the impact of development on the landscape of the National Park?

• Site is well related to existing settlements / development
• Site has an open aspect to the surrounding National Park landscape

Commentary:

C1 Built Environment

What would be the impact on the historic environment (setting and/or character of a Listed Building, SM, sites on the Sites and Monument record, Conservation Area, Historic Park and Garden etc?)

• Development could protect or enhance a designated heritage asset
• No impact or not relevant
• May adversely affect a designated heritage asset unless mitigated

Commentary:

D1 Site Constraints/Site Features

Are there any topographical constraints on the site? Is there evidence of contamination, instability, underground or overhead services?

• Site appears free of topographical and other constraints
• Site potential affected by one or more constraints relating to topography, contamination, instability or services

Commentary:

E1 Trees and Hedgerows

What would be the impact upon trees or hedgerows (including those covered by TPOs)

• There are no protected trees or hedgerows on the sites
• There are trees and hedgerows on the site that would require protection

Commentary:

F Land Status

Is the site previously developed land? Are there any existing structures? Is it good quality agricultural land?

F1 Brownfield / Greenfield land classification

Is the site previously developed? Is the site a greenfield site?

Commentary:

F2 Agricultural land classification

• The proposal does not involve the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land
• The proposal involves the loss of the best and most versatile land

Commentary:

G1 Compatibility

Would development for residential use be compatible with existing and/or proposed surrounding areas?

• The proposal would be compatible with surrounding land uses
• The proposal would not be compatible with surrounding land uses

Commentary:

H1 Mineral and Waste Resources

Would development of the site result in sterilisation of mineral and waste resources? Is the site within designated minerals safeguarding area?

• The proposal would not affect safeguarded minerals & waste resources
• The proposal sterilises, or has the potential to sterilise, minerals and waste resources and sites

Commentary:

I1 Light Pollution / Tranquillity

Is the site likely to generate inappropriate levels of light pollution and/or affect particularly tranquil areas as defined by the New Forest National Park Tranquillity Map?

• Site within the least tranquil areas of the Park (Levels A & B)
• Site within Level C on the Tranquillity Map
• Site within the most tranquil areas of the Park (Levels D & E)

Commentary:

J1 Access to Public Transport (train stations and bus routes)

Is the site well located in relation to public transport to encourage people to use modes of transport other than the private car?

• The site would be within 400m of main bus route or within 800m of train station
• Within 800m of main bus route or within 1.5km of train station
• More than 800m from a main bus route or 1.5km from a train station

Commentary:

K1 Access to Services and Facilities

What access does the site offer to the main Defined Villages in the National Park and other settlements (including those outside the National Park)?

• The site is within or adjacent to a defined New Forest village
• Within or adjacent to a settlement with at least 5 essential services
• Within or adjacent to a settlement with a basic range of services, or not related to a settlement

Commentary:

L1 Highway Access

Can adequate access be provided from a highway?

• There is an existing (or permitted) road access to the site
• A new access point would be required

Commentary:

M1 Public Rights of Way (PROW) Pedestrian and Cycle Links

Are there any PROW on or adjacent to the site? Is there pedestrian & cycle access?

• The site is well located in relation to the existing PROW network
• The site is not close to the existing PROW network

Commentary:

DEVELOPMENT CONSIDERATIONS

N1 Open space / recreational facilities

Would development of the site result in the loss of open space/recreational facilities? Could replacement provision be accommodated?

• There would be no loss of existing public open space and new provision could be provided on site
• There would be no loss of existing public open space
• Development would result in the loss of existing open space

Commentary:

O1 Employment Land

Would development of the site result in the loss of existing employment land?

• Development would not result in the loss of an existing employment site
• An existing employment site would be lost

Commentary:

P1 Infrastructure Capacity

Is the site adequately served by existing infrastructure? If not, what improvements would be required? (includes consideration of local and strategic highway network, education, water, drainage and sewerage, health and any other appropriate infrastructure)

• The site is adequately served by existing infrastructure
• Additional infrastructure requirements would be required

Commentary:

SITE SUITABILITY

Suitability for housing / employment / other uses. Conclusion based on constraints / potential for mitigation.

SITE AVAILABILITY

Conclusion based on any known ownership / legal issues / ransom strips etc, & planning history. Is the site vacant / being marketed / under construction etc?

SITE ACHIEVABILITY

Anticipated Commencement / site viability.

POTENTIAL USES & YIELD

Potential future land uses, including likely timescales / phasing.

OVERALL CONCLUSION

The site is considered (tick the boxes that apply):

• Suitable
• Available
• Achievable

Provide short summary conclusion and justification about site suitability, availability & achievability.

APPENDIX B – Sites with development potential

SLAA Ref: LAA7 Site Name: Land to the east of The Ridge, Redlynch

Current use: Agriculture

Potential use(s): Residential; Habitat mitigation; Renewable energy

Site description

A greenfield site which lies adjacent to the National Park boundary with Wiltshire.

Suitability

The site is within walking distance (800m) of services and facilities in Redlynch / Morgans Vale & Woodfalls villages. It lies adjacent to a County Wildlife site on the eastern boundary. Development has the potential to sterilise minerals and waste resources in this location. Consideration would need to be given the softening the landscape impact of development.

Availability

The site has been put forward by the landowner as being available for development. The landowners’ submission states that approximately 6.4 hectares would be available for development. There are no known legal restrictions or covenants on the land.

Achievability

The land is within a single landownership and there are no known impediments to it coming forward in terms of viability.

Yield

If the whole site was developed it could accommodate up to 150 dwellings with habitat mitigation / BNG to be provided on site - based on the landowner’s ‘Call for Sites’ submission. This would constitute ‘major development’ as per paragraph 190 of the NPPF (2024) and therefore a lower quantum of development would be appropriate given the site’s National Park status.

SLAA Ref: LAA13 Site Name: Land to the south of Hamptworth Road, Landford

Current use: Agricultural

Potential use(s): Residential

Employment (office, workshop, retail, live / work units)

Mixed (Mixed with community use opportunity)

Habitat mitigation (on-site habitat mitigation potential to offset impacts of the on-site development)

Other uses

Site description

A greenfield site of open fields bounded by low hedgerows, and surrounded by scattered development.

Suitability

The site has a relatively open aspect to the New Forest landscape, and lies adjacent to a SSSI and so development would only be acceptable on part of the site. It is adjacent to the village of Landford and within walking distance of amenities including a primary school, village hall, convenience store and pub. Part of the site is classed as Grade 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land.

Availability

The site has been put forward by the landowner as being available for development.

Achievability

There are no known impediments to it coming forward in terms of viability.

Yield

Approximately / up to 30 dwellings (50% to be affordable). Potential for care home if required. Information based on the landowner’s ‘Call for Sites’ submission, consideration of the scale of housing need in Landford and the need to ensure development is compatible with National Park status.

SLAA Ref: LAA14 Site Name: Fenwick Hospital, Lyndhurst

Current use: Vacant property & site

Potential use(s): Residential; Habitat mitigation

Site description

This site comprises a former NHS hospital (now vacant) within the Defined Village boundary of Lyndhurst. It is surrounded predominantly by residential development.

Suitability

The site comprises previously developed land in the Defined Village of Lyndhurst, within access of local community services and facilities. It is located close to the New Forest’s national and international habitat designations meaning that appropriate habitat mitigation measures would be required.

Availability

The site has been put forward by the landowner as being available for development. Planning applications for residential development on this site have been submitted and decisions are pending.

Achievability

The land is within a single landownership and there are no known impediments to it coming forward in terms of viability.

Yield

Approximately 10 - 15 dwellings depending on the scale, design and layout of the scheme - mixture of market and affordable housing. This is based on the landowner’s ‘Call for Sites’ submission.

SLAA Ref: LAA31 Site Name: Land North-East of Pennywell Gardens

Current use: Grazing/woodland, permission for stables and hardstanding.

Potential use(s): Residential

On site - BNG, SANG, Open Space, Nitrate Credits available.

Renewable energy TBD.

Green spaces if applicable

Site description

Greenfield site located immediately adjacent to the boundary between the National Park and New Forest District, bordering the residential areas of Ashley / New Milton.

Suitability

The site is located on the National Park boundary adjoining a settlement outside the Park. The site features a watercourse and appropriate surface water treatment would be needed to be considered feasible. Consideration would need to be given to the spatial strategy and settlement hierarchy in the National Park, as well as local housing needs arising within the Park (as distinct from surrounding urban areas outside the National Park).

Availability

The site has been put forward by the landowner as being available for development. It is considered that approximately 1.45 hectares of the 3.86 hectares site would be suitable for development.

Achievability

The land is within a single landownership and there are no known impediments to it coming forward in terms of viability. The existing access would need to be upgraded or an alternative identified.

Yield

Potential for approximately 60 dwellings with a mix of tenure and dwelling sizes - based on the landowner’s ‘Call for Sites’ submission.

APPENDIX C - Summary of rejected sites for development