| The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA), assumes the full range of powers from today, with the transfer of responsibility for planning matters from the New Forest District Council.
Generally, residents living within the New Forest National Park can expect a greater degree of planning control than has been the case to date. For residents who live in Totton and other towns just outside the park, planning matters will continue to be dealt with by the District Council.
The NPA has been busy recruiting key members of staff in recent months. Temporarily, the NPA will be based at Efford, near Lymington. However, the search is on for a permanent base. Ironically, this might be difficult because of the stricter planning controls within the new national park.
Liberal Democrats on the NPA include Councillors Alan Weeks, Lee Dunsdon and Stan Wade. It is hoped that the new designation and powers will enable a greater degree of protection against development threats and that the pressures of tourism can be better managed.
Cllr Wade says "It has been great to be involved with the NPA right at the start. It is already showing that it is not an organisation that can be easily influenced by purely political considerations. I'm really enthusiastic about the future of the New Forest under the new governance arrangements". |
