A raft of improvements to community spaces and travel routes are one step closer to reality following a council decision.
New Forest District Council (NFDC) has agreed to move forward with four projects in Lymington, Totton, and parts of the New Forest as part of its Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) programme.
The schemes aim to enhance public spaces, recreation, and active travel across the district, and will now proceed to public consultation.
The projects include upgrades to Bath Road recreation ground in Lymington, enhancements to Totton Civic Square, improvements to footways and carriageways at Brokenford Lane Link, and upgrades to Forestry England’s multi-user trails.
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Councillor Derek Tipp, portfolio holder for planning and economy, said: "This is a positive step forward for the Strategic CIL programme and demonstrates the progress that has been made since the framework was approved in 2024.
"A considerable amount of work has been undertaken to develop these projects, and we can now move several important schemes closer to delivery.
"These projects have the potential to deliver real benefits for residents and visitors by improving public spaces, supporting active travel and enhancing recreation opportunities across the district."
The projects, funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy, aim to strengthen town centre identity, improve recreation facilities, and provide safer travel routes for residents and visitors alike.
During its meeting, the cabinet also discussed other CIL proposals, including the Ringwood Market Place project.
Although the project has strong local backing, the council said additional work is needed to investigate delivery options and secure funding before making further CIL commitments.
Councillor Tipp said: "Ringwood’s market place is an ambitious project with the potential to make an important contribution to the future of the town centre.
"Today's decision is not about stepping away from the project.
"It is about ensuring we take the time needed to establish the most appropriate delivery approach and funding strategy before further commitments are made."
The cabinet also reviewed plans to regenerate the waterfront at Milford-on-Sea.
While backed in principle, the council agreed that the broader regeneration proposal remains a longer-term goal, while the existing flood defence works continue to progress.
Public consultation and engagement for the two Totton projects and Bath Road in Lymington are expected to take place between September and December 2026.
The report from Cabinet is available at the NFDC website.
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