News & Events

Lynes Farm and the case of "Tilted Balance"

Lynes Farm and the case of Tilted Balance Despite opposition from Ringwood Town Council and concerned residents, the NFDC Planning Cabinet today (11/06/2025) again approved the developer’s plan for the Lynes Farm site, including the increase in the number of houses to 400. It was a close thing with the cabinet equally divided until the Chair used her casting vote. Objections based on flooding records, procedural irregularities and the example of the Beaumont estate (built on a low risk flood assessment (flood risk one) and now recently redesignate as high risk (flood risk 3) by the Environment Agency) were brushed aside by the planning officer and the Chair. The planning officer introduced the concept of tilted balance which he explained meant that even if there were irregularities in the assessment process, even if procedure had not been followed correctly and even if there were good arguments against a development, “planning” could approve a developer’s plans, on the basis of “tilted Balance”. How to determine the fair use of tilted balance remained obscure unless it means the developer gets his way even when a proposal is obviously misconceived. The reason for writing this letter is that one of the speakers at the meeting introduced another novel concept (at least novel as far as planning is concerned, or so it seems). She suggested that, if the project goes ahead, the NFDC should insist that the developer agrees to indemnify any householder whose property suffers any damage from flooding in the first ten years of ownership. After all, approval for the project is dependent on the assurances of the developer that the flood mitigation measures are adequate, in which case it would cost the developer nothing. The NFDC cabinet ignored this suggestion, although elegantly presented as a fair way of protecting the wholly innocent homeowner form over-optimistic assurances. So, if you think it would be a good idea for the developer to agree to compensate house-owners in the event of flooding, why not write to Christine Ward, Chair of the NFDC Planning Committee, at Appletree Court, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO43 7PA, and let her know. She dismissed all objections to the development, saying she “We need to get this underway and going”. Well, this would be a way of proceeding without putting 400 families at risk, with no hope or means of any redress.

Flooding Report 2024

This report collates information on flooding incidents in and around the the land north of Hightown Road (Lynes Farm) over the last five years. It argues for an urgent review of the historical and current data on which the flood mitgation provisions for the planned Lynes Farm development project have been based. Please click on the link below ans scroll down to section D. https://www.ringwood.gov.uk/admin/resources/all-agenda-docs-pte-7-624.pdf

Ringwood's Neighbourhood Plan (NP) approved. The NP is now a statutory instrument.

Ringwood Town Council News Release 05/07/2024 Ringwood Town Council is delighted to announce that residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan at the Referendum held on 4 July 2024. The resounding “yes” vote means the Plan will now be adopted and used by New Forest District Council and New Forest National Park Authority when determining planning applications. With 83% of voters in favour, the Plan will hold statutory weight, guiding development and ensuring the unique character of Ringwood is preserved and enhanced. The Result: Yes votes: 5,368 (83%) No votes: 1,084 (17%) Turnout: 58.93% The successful adoption of the Plan represents a significant achievement in shaping the town’s future development, laying the foundation for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive future. Highlights of the Plan include: 1. Affordable Housing: The Plan prioritises smaller, affordable homes and will support a community where everyone can find a place to call home. 2. Sustainable Practices: Energy efficiency standards will reduce our environmental impact, making Ringwood a greener place to live. 3. Preserving Ringwood’s Charm: The Design Code within the Plan safeguards our town’s unique character and heritage. 4. Increased Funding: The Town Council’s share of the Community Infrastructure Levy rises to 25%, providing additional resources for local projects. Town Mayor, Cllr Rae Frederick said "The approval of the Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan is a remarkable achievement, and I would like to thank the dedicated councillors and volunteers from the local community who generously contributed so much of their time to make this happen. The Plan will serve as a blueprint for a sustainable and prosperous future, ensuring that Ringwood remains a wonderful place to live, work, and visit." Chair of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee, Cllr John Haywood, added, "We are thrilled with the positive response from the community. This Plan reflects the collective vision and aspirations of Ringwood’s residents and sets a clear direction for future development of the town." Ends 5 July 2024 For further information please contact: Mrs Jo Hurd, Deputy Town Clerk Ringwood Town Council Tel: 01425 473883 or Email: town.council@ringwood.gov.uk

NFDC takes legal action against travellers

New Forest District Council has initiated legal action against travellers who occupied the Bickerley for eight days until a court order forced them to leave.

Ringwood Brewery is up for sale

CMBC to sell Ringwood Brewery

Ringwood railway heritage project

National Lottery money for Ringwood railway heritage project

Ringwood Bowling Club concerns over terms of new lease

Hampshire Police thank you

Bye Bye Baby

A tribute to Frankie Vallance and The Four Seasons Friday, 2nd June at The Barn, Ringwood

Ringwood Town Councillors concern over police response

The new Ringwood Town Council

Composition: Independents 6; Labour 4; Conservative 3; Lib Dem 1

News from RACE

25th May, 2023 is the date of the Annual General Meeting of RACE (Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency - RACE against time). https://www.raceagainsttime.org.uk/

Ringwood Society Tour of Wimborne

On 13th June, the Ringwood Society will be taking a party of members on a tour of Wimborne.

A weekend of burglaries

Thieves had a busy time in Ringwood over the weekend of the 12th - 14th May.

The NFDC Council 2023

The composition of the Council is: 4 Labour; 3 Conservatives; 1 Liberal Democrat; 6 Independents

Some changing faces at Ringwood Town Council

Results of the Recent Local Election

Keeping an eye on planning applications

With the Government relaxing planning controls, property owners and developers can see financially attractive opportunities to turn retail premises into residential accommodation.

They're there to help

Love2Refill cuts down on packaging

Love2Refill cuts down on packaging Located in Unit 7 of Hightown Industrial Estate, Love2Refill is a recently opened shop, offering a refill service of all grocery essentials (e.g. rice, and pasta, herbs and spices), a unique, eco-friendly shopping experience. - and free parking, too.

Poppy display at Greyfriars