BOSSES at New Forest District Council have launched a call for brownfield sites as the proposed development of nearly 7,000 homes gets underway.

As part of the council's local plan review strategic land availability assessment they are asking for landowners and other parties to put forward brownfield land and sites which they wish to be considered for development.

To be eligible land must be capable of accommodating five homes or more or 500sqm of floorspace, or be at least 0.25ha in area.

Brownfield sites are those which have already been built on and either currently contain buildings and/or structures, or have done so in the recent past.

Brownfield sites do not include those that contain agricultural buildings, certain mineral extraction or waste disposal sites, or those where the previous development is so historic that its remains have blended into the landscape.

Further information can be found by visiting newforest.gov.uk/localplan2016.

The closing date for site submissions is Friday, December 2.

Cllr Chris Treleavan, chairman of Ringwood Town Council’s planning, town and environment committee, said: “Your council would much prefer housing to be built on brownfield sites before having to give up green belt land to meet the housing targets being asked of us.

"If you know of any such sites which might become available now or in the future, do let us know or respond directly to NFDC on their website.”