Lymington & Pennington Neighbourhood Plan Approved at Referendum
The Lymington & Pennington Neighbourhood Plan has been approved by local residents following a referendum held on Thursday 29 January 2026.
The result showed strong community support, with 92.5% voting in favour on a 17.1% turnout — the highest percentage approval for a Neighbourhood Plan referendum held in the New Forest District to date.
The Plan will now proceed to the formal adoption (“making”) stage by the relevant Local Planning Authorities. Once adopted, it will form part of the statutory development plan for the area and will be used in determining planning applications.
Further updates will be published as the adoption process progresses.
Full details and all the official documentation about the plan and the referendum can be found on the New Forest District Council website: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/lymingtonandpenningtonplan
Lymington & Pennington Neighbourhood Plan Summary
The Lymington & Pennington Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared by the local community to help guide how the area should develop in the future. If approved, the Neighbourhood Plan will be used by New Forest District Council when deciding planning applications. Applications are assessed against the Plan’s policies on matters such as location, scale, design, impact on the environment, and how well proposals reflect local character.
The Plan does not grant planning permission itself, but it provides a clear local framework to guide decision-making.
What Does the Plan Cover?
Housing
The Plan includes specific housing policies that support a better mix of homes to meet local needs, including smaller and family homes, in appropriate and sustainable locations. It promotes efficient use of land, high-quality design and development that integrates well with existing neighbourhoods and reflects the character of Lymington and Pennington.
Environment & Green Spaces
Protecting and enhancing the natural environment is a central theme of the Plan. It safeguards important green spaces, identifies green corridors and nature recovery networks, and supports biodiversity. The Plan also promotes improved access to open spaces and safer, more attractive routes for walking and cycling.
Town Centre
The Plan supports a vibrant, resilient and accessible Lymington town centre. It encourages regeneration and investment where appropriate, improvements to public spaces and accessibility, and a strong local economy that supports shops, services, businesses and community life.
Design, Heritage & Local Character
The Plan places strong emphasis on high-quality, locally distinctive design. Policies ensure that new development respects conservation areas, heritage assets, important views and the overall scale and character of the area, helping to maintain what makes Lymington and Pennington special.
Movement & Connectivity
The Plan promotes safer and more sustainable movement around the parish. It supports walking and cycling, improved connections between neighbourhoods, green spaces and services, and measures that reduce reliance on the private car where possible.
Community Infrastructure Funding
If the Neighbourhood Plan is approved, the Town Council’s share of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) would increase from 15% to 25%. This provides additional funding that can be invested locally in infrastructure and community projects to support growth and improve facilities.
Evidence & Independent Examination
The Neighbourhood Plan is supported by a detailed evidence base, including studies on housing, the environment, movement, design and the town centre. It has been independently examined, with only a small number of modifications required, before being approved by both New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority to proceed to referendum.