PLANS for improvement to the A31 will be discussed by district councillors today.

The Highways England proposals look to widen the eastbound carriageway to three lanes between Ringwood and the Verwood turn-off.

The plans for the dual carriageway come as New Forest District Council finalises its housing approach for the future.

The Local Plan will see a number of housing developments in the area.

In a draft letter put before members for approval, NFDC's chief executive, Bob Jackson, says: "Based on the proposed level of housing that is likely to come forward over the course of the Local Plan period (to 2036) there will be an increase of traffic in the area.

"However, recent transport modelling undertaken by the Council to inform the evidence base for the Local Plan has concluded that if the proposed works by Highways England area carried out then they will be able to fully accommodate future traffic flows.

"The District Council hopes to work closely with Highways England to deliver these

enhancements."

The A31 public consultation concludes on Friday, August 4.