Residents views on open spaces in Fordingbridge are being sought.

A survey is being sent out by Fordingbridge Town Council.

In a letter sent to residents, the council says: "Many residents will be aware that Fordingbridge is about to change. Decisions made as part of the New Forest District Council (NFDC) Local Plan mean that 1500 or so new houses will be built to the North and West of the Town over the next few years.

“This may be unwelcome to many but the die is now cast.

“Formal consultations took place and decisions have now been made and they cannot be overturned. Particular concerns remain about education, health and social care facilities and employment opportunities. Road safety, road repairs and traffic remain major issues.

“Fordingbridge Town Council (FTC) is a small cog in the Government machine and has very limited powers to change things now big decisions have been formalised but with the help of local people we can influence some smaller decisions within the now approved plan. As part of the development process some money (called the Community Infrastructure Levy – CIL) is available directly in the control of FTC.

“We want to ensure that the money we control is spent in ways that local residents support and that we with the help of residents influence the way that NFDC spends their larger share. CIL funding can be spent on many things but in the first instance we want to consult with our residents about open spaces.

“FTC has just agreed a formal consultation strategy with this in mind. Consultation is a two-way process. FTC can ask for views but unless residents provide their views nothing is gained.

The survey needs to be completed by September 30. Completed surveys can be posted through the letter box at the town hall or the information office in King’s Yard. Alternatively, email it to consultation@fordingbridge.gov.uk. It can also be completed online on the council’s website, fordingbridge.gov.uk/consult