New Forest District Council invites residents to shape plans for recreation ground in Lymington
New Forest District Council (NFDC) and Lymington and Pennington Town Council are inviting residents to help shape ambitious plans for the future of Bath Road recreation ground in Lymington.
The proposed project would help to transform Bath Road recreation ground in Lymington into a more accessible, welcoming and flexible community space.
The vision is to create a space that better serves local people, supports community wellbeing and can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Proposed improvements include a larger, enclosed playground with new accessible play equipment and picnic areas; wider, more accessible pathways linking the town, car park, marina and seafront; a performance space replacing the existing bandstand, suitable for events and recreation; and an improved biodiversity through new planting, trees, hedging and landscaping.
This project is funded through NFDC’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) programme, which is investing in projects across the district to improve public spaces, recreation opportunities and community infrastructure, and would look to be delivered in 2027.
Cllr Derek Tipp, portfolio holder for planning and economy, said: “The suggested improvements in Lymington are part of a series of proposed major community infrastructure projects across the district as part of our strategic community infrastructure levy programme. This project, among others, will help to improve public spaces, and enhance recreation opportunities, creating real benefits for residents and visitors. We encourage people to submit their views and let us know what you think about the proposals."
Cllr Colm McCarthy, Chair of Lymington and Pennington Town Council, said: “Bath Road Recreation Ground is a much-loved part of Lymington, and we are really looking forward to hearing from residents, visitors and everyone who uses the area about what they would like to see for its future. This is a great opportunity to help shape a space that can be enjoyed by our community and visitors for many years to come.”
Before the project progresses to its next stage, NFDC and Lymington and Pennington Town Council would like to hear thoughts from residents about the proposed changes.
Residents, visitors and businesses are invited to find out more about the proposals and provide feedback at an in-person event at Lymington Town Hall on Wednesday 30 September from 10.30am to 7pm.
Feedback and comments can also be submitted online between 28 September and 21 October 2026, through the consultation page at https://newforest.govocal.com/en-GB/projects/lymington-bath-road
Contact Information
Communications Team
communications@nfdc.gov.uk
Notes to editors
The Bath Road improvements are part of a series of proposed major community infrastructure projects. NFDC’s Cabinet agreed the next steps for these in August 2026. More details about this, and other projects, can be found at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/4287/Cabinet-supports-next-phase-to-progress-major-community-projects
The Strategic CIL programme was established in 2023 to invest developer contributions in infrastructure projects that support sustainable communities and help meet the needs arising from growth across the district. More information is available at https://democracy.newforest.gov.uk/documents/s26960/CIL%20Report.pdf
Planned Maintenance programme, carriageway resurfacing will be carried out in Sway Road, Lymington
As part of Hampshire County Council’s annual Planned Maintenance programme, carriageway resurfacing will be carried out in Sway Road, Lymington on a couple of sections from junction with A337 Lyndhurst Road to 40m into Sway Road and approx. 80m either side of the entrance into Buckland Granaries.
The works are scheduled to begin early next year, and further information will be sent out nearer the time, but prior to those works we need to carry out some preliminary works on the section near the entrance into Buckland Granaries.
These are programmed to begin on 29th September 2026 and are programmed to take up to 5 days between 09:30 to 16:00. The road will be open outside these hours and at the weekend.
Further details are available at One.Network - https://one.network/?GB151566221
Grant Aid Applications Now Open – Supporting Our Local Community
Lymington and Pennington Town Council is proud to open this year’s round of Grant Aid applications. Every year, these grants help local organisations to continue their fantastic work, from running clubs and events to providing essential services which bring real benefits to residents of all ages.
We know how much of our community’s strength comes from dedicated volunteers and groups who give their time, energy, and creativity. That is why the Town Council remains committed to supporting these efforts through its grant programme. Whether your organisation provides opportunities for young people, promotes health and wellbeing, supports vulnerable residents, or enhances local culture and environment, we want to hear from you. Please refer to our Grant Policy for details.
Key details for applicants:
Deadline: Applications must be received by 31 October 2026.
Updated Policy: The Grants Policy was amended earlier this year. It is important that all organisations read the new criteria before applying to confirm eligibility and prepare the necessary documents. You can access the policy here: Grant Policy 2026–2027.
Review Process: All applications will be assessed by the Grants Panel, who will then make recommendations to the full Council.
Payment of Grants: Awards will form part of the Council’s 2026–2027 budget and will be paid to successful organisations in between December 2026 and March 2027.
We encourage all eligible organisations to apply. Together, we can ensure that the wonderful projects, services, and opportunities which enrich Lymington and Pennington continue to grow and flourish.
Please see Grant Policy for more information
Application Form (please read the Policy before completing the form)
Lymington and Pennington Town Council extends a warm welcome to our international visitors from Mosbach, Germany.
At a reception held at the Town Hall on Thursday, the Mayor took the opportunity to officially welcome our guests along with presenting a gift of engraved glass tumblers as a token of international friendship.
The visitors are being home hosted around Lymington and Pennington by members of LITA and will enjoy a weekend of activities around the local area before leaving on Monday.
Thanks is given to Lymington and District Twinning Association (LITA) for their hard work organising the exchange visit.
In the spirit of fostering international relations, Lymington and Pennington is twinned with Mosbach in Germany, Alamansa in Spain and Vitré in France. The twinning link with Mosbach dates back thirty years to 1996.
Anyone looking for further information on LITA or Twin Towns generally is directed to the Lymington Community Association’s Annual Directory or LITA’s own website www.lymingtontwinning.weebly.com
Picnic in the Park - Celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee
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Press Release
18 January 2022
Picnic in the Park - Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the Country, Lymington and Pennington Town Council, in collaboration with the Lymington Community Centre and the Rotary Club of Lymington are organising a FREE “Picnic in the Park” event at Woodside Park, Rookes Lane, Lymington.
The aim of the event is to bring together the local community and families. Cllr Anne Corbridge, chair of the Events sub-committee, commented “We are very proud to invite people of Lymington and Pennington to Picnic in the Park, celebrating the wonderful occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This will be a great day out for all the family, honouring Her Majesty whilst having fun in our beautiful Woodside Gardens.”
The event is in the early stages of planning, but alongside having your picnic in the park, it currently includes:
· Organised fun sports and games day
· Dog show
· Amusements
· Live music
· Hot and cold food
· Community stalls
· Children’s entertainment tent
· Raffle
Picnic in the Park is a free event that will take place on Sunday 5th June 2022 from 11am – 4pm.
End
Lymington Charter Market - Open New Years Day
/Saturday 1st January 2022
Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR)
/PKF Littlejohn have now completed their audit of the AGAR for 2020/21 . Lymington and Pennington Town Council are now publishing The Notice of Conclusion of Audit along with sections 1, 2 and 3 of the AGAR – Annual Governance Statement 2020/21 (Section 1), Accounting Statements 2020/21 (Section 2) and External Audit Report 2020/21 (Section 3).
Lymington High Street - Parking Meters
/Hampshire County Council put on an exhibition providing information on the parking meter proposals for Lymington High Street. This was on display at St Barbe Museum from the 20th – 24th September 2021.
Details of the Exhibition are available here…
There is still time to fill in the surveys online and have your say. The link is https://forms.office.com/r/atTpqFXMKR. This link will close on 11th October 2021.
In addition to the public exhibition of proposals, local residents will have the opportunity to make formal representations to the County Council once proposals are advertised as part of the Traffic Order process.
The Town Council remains opposed to the parking meter scheme. Any parking system that is created must be of benefit to the High Street.
Grant Aid 2021
/Lymington & Pennington Town Council is pleased to announce that applications for Grant Aid may be submitted between
13 September 2021 and 13 November 2021
Grant awards will be made in December 2021.
If your Organisation’s objectives are to benefit the residents of Lymington and Pennington, you are encouraged to apply for a Grant.
Please click here or email info@lymandpentc.org.uk to obtain a Grant Application Form.
Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR)
/Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR)
The Local Audit & Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts & Audit Regulations 2015 set out the responsibilities of all local councils in respect of their accounting and auditing procedures.
Each year, the Council’s financial accounts and statements must be examined by an independent internal auditor appointed by the Council. For the year 2020/21 Hampshire County Council were appointed under the operational name of Southern Internal Audit Partnership.
The Council is also required to complete an Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) which includes the findings of the Internal Auditor, together with Governance Statements and Financial Statements. The AGAR is then submitted to the independent external auditor appointed by the Audit Commission for examination.
A summary of this year’s audit process is detailed below, together with copies of the relevant documents.
Year Ending 31st March 2021
The Council’s Financial Statements and Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) submission for the year-ending 31st March 2021 had been checked by Southern Internal Audit Partnership and subsequently approved by the Full Council at its meeting held on 23rd June 2021.
The completed AGAR, together with the relevant supporting documentation, has now been submitted to the external auditor, PKF Littlejohn LLP who are required to complete their review by 30th September 2021.
Following this submission, Lymington and Pennington Town Council are publishing the Notice of Public Rights and Publication of the Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return along with sections 1 and 2 of the AGAR –Annual Governance Statement 2020/21 (Section 1) and Accounting Statements 2020/21 (Section 2) with the Summary of Your Rights stating that any person interested has a right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the 2020-21 Financial Year. This will run for a period of six weeks commencing on 1st July 2021 to 11th August 2021. Any person who wishes to review the documentation is advised to contact the Responsible Finance Officer.
PKF Littlejohn are due to complete their audit of the AGAR for 2020/21 by the 30th September 2021. The report will be published soon after with the audited AGAR being available for public access for a period of not less than 5 years from the date of publication stated above.
Lymington Charter Market
/LYMINGTON MARKET RETURN TO BOTH SIDES OF THE HIGH STREET.
Lymington and Pennington Councillors from the Market sub-committee recently met to discuss the changes to Covid guidelines.
With Step 3 of the Government’s road map being introduced from the 17th May, Councillors approved the return of the market two sides of the High Street from the 22nd May.
This change allows us to welcome back casual traders and accommodate many permanent traders back to their original pitches.
The chair of the Market sub-committee, Cllr Dunning, welcomes the positive step forward and looks forward to seeing many traders able to return to the market.
If you are interested in being a trader please email market@lymandpentc.org.uk in the first instance, advising of the products you wish to sell.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Lymington Charter Market
/Lymington market looks forward to welcoming back all non-essential traders this coming Saturday. With the easing of lockdown & step 2 introduced on the 12 April, the layout will remain on one side of the High Street to ensure social distancing measures can be accommodated.
COVID-19 changes 29 March 2021
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The easing of lockdown on 29 March 2021 has meant that at Woodside Park, the skate park and tennis courts are now open.
Organised sport is allowed to resume and we look forward to welcoming clubs back to our sports pitches.
Apply for your postal vote
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You can apply to vote by post for a specific election or for all future elections. We do not need to know why you want to vote by post.
Visit https://www.newforest.gov.uk/votebypost for more information
Councillors help out at The Food Larder - Pennington
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The Food Larder - Pennington
Thursdays 1.00pm - 2.30pm
St Marks Community Hall, Pennington, SO41 8GN
The Food Larder is a community larder run by volunteers for the benefit of their local community. It is a membership scheme aimed at helping people make their money go further by reducing food shopping bills.
To apply for membership, a Fareshare application form needs to be completed and proof of ID and address needs to be provided. Applications forms can be requested by emailing FSSouthernCentral@fareshare.org.uk.
Memberships vary and are dependant on the size of the household.
• Single person £2.50 per week (10 products per week, plus fruit and vegetables)
• Person household £3.50 per week (15 items, plus fruit and vegetables)
• 4 Person household £5.00 per week (25 items, plus fruit and vegetables)
Hurst Spit to Lymington Project
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Hurst Spit to Lymington Project
The Environment Agency is working with partners to explore a sustainable future for the coastal frontage between Hurst Spit and Lymington in relation to flood and coastal erosion risk management. This project aims to investigate if and how to respond to the significant challenges facing this area now and into the future.
No decisions have yet been made regarding how to tackle the challenges and it may be many years until any works are on the ground. However, the Environment Agency wants to ensure thoughts, views and ideas are incorporated as the project progresses and develops.
Please complete the Environment Agency's questionnaire https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/HurstSpit2Lymington/ which remains live until 31 March 2021.
Find out more about the Hurst Spit to Lymington project https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/solent-and-south-downs/hurst-spit-to-lymington-project/