TIME is running out for residents in Fordingbridge and Ringwood to have their say on the Local Plan for future housing in the New Forest.

New Forest District Council is inviting individuals and organisations to make presentations before it goes to the final examination stage.

Under the new plan, some 10,500 new homes will be built in the district (in areas outside of the National Park) up to 2036, with major residential development areas proposed in Ringwood and north and west of Fordingbridge as well as Totton, Marchwood and at the former Fawley power station site.

In Ringwood the plan looks to deliver at least 850 properties with 820 homes earmarked for three areas around Fordingbridge.

In Fordingbridge, the plan has earmarked residential developments of at least 140 homes on land to the north of Station Road, Ashford with at least 330 more on land at Whitsbury Road, which would be in addition to the 145 homes which have already been permitted.

This would be made up of about 60 homes east of Sweatford Water and about 270 west of Sweatford Water. There would also be 350 homes on land at Burgate.

In Ringwood, the plan outlines proposals for at least 480 new homes for land north of Moortown Lane and 270 homes on land to the north of Hightown Road.

Further sites are also proposed for development around Lymington, Milford on Sea, Hordle, New Milton and Bransgore.

To achieve the target the council says local housebuilding rates will need to more than double from an average of 200 a year to an average of 500 a year.

Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure, Cllr Edward Heron, said: “This plan has enormous local importance and I am confident we have developed a plan that strikes the right balance between providing for future housing need and respecting the special place and high quality environment we are fortunate enough to reside in.”

The district counicl says the plan’s policies seek to maximise the provision of homes that will be affordable.

Comments from the public and organisations will be considered at a public examination of the Local Plan that will be held later this year by an independent Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.

Representations must be made by no later than midnight on August 12.

Full details of the Local Plan and how to make representations can be found on online at newforest.gov.uk/localplan2016

Alternatively, copies of the document can also be viewed at public libraries and council information offices.