NATIONAL Park bosses in the New Forest are drawing up a policy document that they hope will not incite the public outrage ignited by a previous plan seven years ago.

Forest Uprising and other protest groups led marches on the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) headquarters when it proposed road tolls, dog-free zones and tighter restrictions on horse keeping.

The NPA ditched the proposals after a year of controversy, admitting: “We got it wrong.”

It is now drawing up a new management plan that will shape the Forest for the next five years.

But this time the authority is working in partnership with other organisations in a bid to prevent any repetition of the furore that greeted its first set of proposals.

The new plan was debated at New Forest District Council’s cabinet, at which chief executive Dave Yates acknowledged that the previous document “was not without an element of controversy”.

He added: “I must congratulate the NPA on adopting a very different approach this time. It’s been a very transparent process.”

Council leader Cllr Barry Rickman added: “This time a lot of organisations have been very complimentary about the plan. People feel they’re being listened to.”

NPA chief executive Alison Barnes was at the meeting and described the new plan as an update of the 2010 version. She said: “It’s sought to identify what’s changed, including the absolutely imperative need to work in partnership.”

Supporters of the NPA point to the successes achieved so far.

These include the launch of England’s largest agri-environment scheme. The Higher Level Stewardship project has secured almost £20 million of funding to support the ancient practice of commoning, conserve internationally important habitats and maintain historic sites.

Another triumph has been the growing popularity of the open-topped bus service that provides visitors with a car-free way of exploring the area.

The new management plan aims to tackle a wide range of environmental issues including traffic congestion and the problems caused by mass cycling events.

Persuading energy suppliers to replace pylons with underground cables, reducing the impact of HGVs by encouraging drivers to take “more appropriate” routes, and de-cluttering the Forest by securing the removal of unnecessary signs is also on the agenda.

Other priorities include working with Highways England – formerly the Highways Agency – to reduce delays on the A31 and M27.

A council spokesman added: “Unlike the 2010 plan this has been produced as a joint plan by a partnership group comprising many of the statutory bodies in the Forest, including the district council.

“No particular issue dominated the responses (to the document). Unusually, a considerable number of the comments supported the plan.”

Key points from the new proposal

Improve the condition of at least 30 nature conservation sites.

Enhance ponds and rivers to improve their water quality and ecological value.

Expand a project aimed at removing invasive non-native plants.

Develop a green infrastructure plan for the National Park.

Work with property owners to encourage the renovation of historic buildings.

Seek further funding for flood relief and coastal defence schemes.

Monitor the new charter for cycle event organisers and decide if extra controls are needed.

Develop the facilities at Blashford Lakes nature reserve to create an important centre for visitors.

Redevelop the visitor facilities at Lepe to provide a “flagship” country park.

Identify potential sites for affordable housing.

Reduce fly-tipping by monitoring hot spots and tackling known offenders.

Reduce the number of HGV movements in parts of the Forest using a web-based system that pinpoints preferred routes.

Work with Highways England to reduce delays on the A31 and M27.