FAR reaching housing development plans for Ringwood will come under the spotlight at an exhibition staged by the town council from today to Friday.

The council is considering its response to proposals drawn up by New Forest District Council in the Local Plan Review 2016-2036 which must be delivered by September 16.

Three major sites have been earmarked for 1,280 houses over the next 20 years – north and south of Moortown Lane, between Eastfield Lane and Nouale Lane and land next to Snails Lane in Blashford.

The current Local Plan states that 21 new homes must be built each year in Ringwood, a quota which is being met.

However, population forecasts indicate an increase of 22,000 people in the New Forest over the next 20 years.

The report says most of this increase will be made up of those over 65 retiring here from outside the district.

The recommendations Ringwood Town Council proposes specify that young and working-age people should have equal access to affordable homes; and developments should include 50 per cent affordable housing.

Councillors want to ensure the affordable proportion includes a significant provision for “starter homes” for those aged under 40 and for those waiting on the housing register who have local connections.

They also want to make sure housing is matched with infrastructure.

To accommodate the extra 1,150 dwellings proposed for the south and east of Ringwood, members believe a relief road connecting Christchurch Road to the A31 at Poulner would be vital.

Ringwood representatives are also opposed to development on green belt land, south of Moortown Lane.

They have also said housing provision at Snails Lane could be suitable for older people, less likely to commute along the A338.

Members of the town's planning, town and environment committee is expected to discuss the issue further on Friday, September 2, ahead of the deadline.