RMSSG Minutes 12 December 2024

Attendance:

• Steve Avery (NFNPA)
• Richard Burke (FE)
• Graham Horton (NE)
• Graham Smith (TVBC)

1. Welcome / apologies / introductions

1.1 Everyone was welcomed to the meeting. Apologies were received from Edward Heron (Verderers), Tim Guymer (NFDC) and Charlotte Bartlett (FE)

2. Minutes and matters arising from the RMSSG meeting on 18 September 2024 and the minutes and matters arising from the RMSAG meeting on 29 October 2024

2.1 The minutes were agreed as a true record. Any matters arising will be covered in the agenda items.

2.2 SA highlighted a comment from the notes of the recent RMSAG that there seemed to be similar attendees and similar discussions taking place at both the RMSAG and the RMSSG meetings and attendance to both meetings was poor. Possible solutions could be returning to one larger group or potentially holding the RMSAG meeting, followed immediately by a meeting of the RMSSG. To be discussed further.

3. Timeline for the Spatial Plan & guiding principles

3.1 The Spatial Plan is almost complete. It was important to ensure that the guiding principles and the rationale for the Plan were fully explained to demonstrate what it is trying to achieve. This work has already been started by the NFNPA and it is hoped that something can be shared soon. SA mentioned that the NFA have produced their own map which can be accessed here Recreation Management Map | Friends of the New Forest.

4. Update on off road cycle network

4.1 Progress has been slow but steady. Forestry England had received further views from local organisations regarding the network that weren’t entirely supportive. The CDA however is supportive of the routes and the proposals address their concerns around any potential impact on commoning. There was also discussion at the recent Consultative Panel meeting which mentioned the Local Countryside Access Plan and how all the plans fit together / overlap. Countryside access plan 2015-2025 | Environment | Hampshire County Council

5. Update on Camping in the Forest

5.1 An ecological review of the sites has been completed along with a socio-economic study. Further discussions will take place with Camping in the Forest about the mid to long term strategy for all of the sites.

6. Addressing recreational impacts through the Local Plan Review

6.1 The Group discussed the recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and the resulting increased housing targets set by government. In sharing TVBCs most recent plans around the purchase of some land parcels for Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), RB informed the Group that Forestry England have a Woodland Creation scheme that might be of help. TVBCs Supplementary Planning Document was out for consultation and responses were being considered with a view to the Cabinet signing it off early 2025.

6.2 NFNPA have commenced their own Local Plan Review and a ‘Strategic Direction of Travel’ document will be produced and sent out for consultation in February.

7. AOB

7.1 SA reiterated the need for better attendance at these meetings.

8. Date of next meeting

8.1 February 2025.