PROPOSALS to launch a neighbourhood plan for Ringwood could be scuppered after a narrow council vote.

The town mayor, deputy mayor and head of the planning committee were all in favour of supporting the initiative, but they were outvoted at a recent meeting.

Neighbourhood plans provide communities with an opportunity to set policies and guidelines to channel future development and investment.

As New Forest District Council (NFDC) is in the process of formalising its wider local plan for the region, councillors of Ringwood Town Council were advised it was an ideal time to consider creating a ground-level strategy.

However, members of the planning committee turned down recommendations from the town clerk to proceed with working towards creating a neighbourhood plan.

This decision will be presented and debated at full council next month, before a final verdict is made.

Cllr Tim Ward reportedly was of the opinion the time, effort and money required to prepare a neighbourhood plan would not be worthwhile.

Speaking in support of the recommendation, deputy mayor Philip Day said the absence of a specific policy for Ringwood had prevented an objection from being upheld on several issues over the years.

A report to members by town clerk Chris Wilkins said (NFDC) planning officers advised it was the "ideal point" in the local plan review cycle to formulate a neighbourhood plan.

Mr Wilkins advised if the town council did not take up the opportunity soon, the council would be unable to use it to influence the second part of the district's local plan.

Mayor Tony Ring told the Daily Echo he was still hopeful the plan could be approved at September's town council meeting.

"I have to say for the three of us who were in favour of the recommendation, the suggestion against put up by Tim Ward was a bit of a blow for us, however it was planning committee," Mayor Ring said.

"With full council there are 14 people to debate and sway so maybe we can overcome this vote.

"My view is although the actual powers within the council may not change at lest with a neighbourhood plan you rightly expect to have a greater influence by putting forward residents' concerns and issues that the plan provides for."