APPLICANTS behind a major proposal to build 400 new homes on green land in Ringwood have now put forward plans to transform local roads to aid capacity.

One of the biggest concerns raised by residents and councillors in Ringwood is the impact Taylor Wimpey’s plans for a housing development on land north of Hightown Road will have on the town’s infrastructure.

Among the biggest changes proposed is the creation of a roundabout in Southampton Road – which acts as a main link road to the A31 both east and westbound.

PFA Consulting, on behalf of Taylor Wimpey, said the plans respond to the “problems and recommendations raised” previously.

Bournemouth Echo: Artist impression of proposals for land north of Hightown Road, Ringwood.Artist impression of proposals for land north of Hightown Road, Ringwood. (Image: Taylor Wimpey)

In a road safety audit report, it said: “The scheme works to convert a priority junction to a small normal roundabout to create additional junction capacity to accommodate development.

“Preliminary designs of two options have been produced. Option one would accommodate all turning movements at the access to Poulner [Scout hut] and option two would have an elongated splitter island on the southern arm such that the access to [the Scout hut] would function as a left-in/left-out arrangement with the roundabouts to the north and south of the access.”

National Highways has offered no objection to the revised plans, however has listed several conditions.

Bournemouth Echo: New roundabout plans for Southampton Road in RingwoodNew roundabout plans for Southampton Road in Ringwood (Image: Taylor Wimpey)

This is not the first time Taylor Wimpey has adapted its plans to appease travel concerns. In April last year, the firm amended its provision for a bypass from the A31 to Crow Lane at Hightown.

Plans for the development were apparently set to be heard by New Forest District Council in February after an extension was granted last year.

However, Ringwood Town Council member Cllr Philip Day said: “Another of the single biggest issues at the moment seems to be that of surface water draining at the site. We’re all awaiting comment from the Environment Agency on whether or not these new plans are okay.

“We, as a town council, will be discussing this all in a meeting in February. It was suggested at one point that the plans would be heard by New Forest District Council’s planning committee on February 8, but that’s now not going to happen as everyone needs more time to digest the new plans.”