Decision details

To consider and, subject to approval, endorse the updated New Forest National Park Management Plan.

I approve that Cabinet endorses the New Forest National Park management plan update as set out at Appendix 2.

This decision was published on 21 September 2015 and will come into force 30 September 2015.

The aims of the New Forest National Park Management Plan update align with the council’s Business Plan.  The document is designed to be a supplement to the existing plan and focuses primarily on bringing actions up-to-date, looking forward over the next five years.  Wiltshire Council has contributed to this update as one of the main statutory organisations involved in the National Park and will be leading on the delivery of a number of actions.

Cabinet could either endorse or not endorse the Management Plan.  However, as a key partner which has been involved in its development the latter course of action carries reputational risks.

The updated management plan has been consulted on widely, both informally (October – December 2014) and formally (May- June 2015).  A brief presentation on the plan was made at the Southern Area Board meeting on 28 May 2015.  This final text version of the document takes into account the consultation feedback.

The plan was approved by the New Forest National Park Authority on 16 July 2015 and it is hoped will be formally endorsed by all the main partner organisations between July and September, according to meeting cycles.  Final design and publication will occur once the plan has been agreed by all parties, with a launch in the autumn.

Cllr Leo Randall, ward member for Redlynch and Landford, has been consulted on the report.