New 400-home development in Ringwood set for approval

Taylor Wimpey’s plans to develop land north of Hightown Road in Ringwood could be given the green light this month, with council planning officers saying it would create “a safe, vibrant and healthy new community”.

This comes just days after Ringwood Town Council officially objected to the plans for a second time, echoing the concerns of hundreds of residents who feel the historic market town has insufficient infrastructure in place to cope with such an influx of people.

The proposal will now be determined by New Forest District Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, March 8.

In plans submitted in January 2021, Taylor Wimpey wants to build 400 dwellings along with three hectares of employment land and recreational green space.

Fields north of Hightown Road in Ringwood where developers Taylor Wimpey want to build up to 400 homes

Recommending the project for approval, district council planning officer Richard Natt listed several conditions – including that 50 per cent of the dwellings be ‘affordable’, comprising social and affordable rent, and intermediate or affordable home ownership tenures.

He said: “Overall, the proposed development is considered to be one that meets the three key objectives of sustainable development, it would meet social objectives, by creating a safe, vibrant and healthy new community; and it would meet environmental objectives by securing a high quality built environment and by protecting and enhancing the natural environment.”

In its objection, Ringwood Town Council said: “There are local concerns about the lack of provision in Ringwood for medical, dental and other facilities such as schooling.

Artist impression of proposals for land north of Hightown Road, Ringwood. (Image: Taylor Wimpey)

“Given the scale of this development, we would urge the developers to consider the inclusion of a small community facility in the centre of the site to include perhaps a convenience store and a medical or dental facility.”

Transport issues were also a point of contention, with developer Taylor Wimpey recently submitting new plans for parts of the local road network to be redeveloped in order to handle the increase in vehicles.

The council said: “We are also extremely concerned at the suggestion that the access into the site directly from the A31 might not have to be completed until some 200 homes are occupied.”

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson previously said it was “working closely with statutory consultees and planning officers”.