Proposed development at Snails Lane

The Trust strongly objects to the proposed 140-home development at Snails Lane, adjacent to our Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve. We are urgently raising concerns with the Council about the plans which would pose a major threat to wildlife, fragile habitats and climate resilience.

Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is a site of  international importance  for wildlife. This proposed development would threaten habitats, increase flood risks, and place significant additional recreational pressure on one of the region’s most vital nature reserves.  

The land in question has been used by  rare breeding birds  and it also supports  internationally significant wintering populations. It also forms part of the  River Avon floodplain, where seasonal flooding highlights the need for more naturally functioning floodplains – not further development.  

With the increasing frequency of extreme weather due to climate change, building on this land will only  exacerbate flood risks  for the local community and  disrupt a crucial part of the local nature recovery network. 

We are actively engaging in the planning process to ensure  wildlife remains a priority.  But we need your help! Submit your objections via  the New Forest District Council’s website before  7th March  and help protect Blashford Lakes and the precious species that call it home. 

(25/10114 | Full planning application for the demolition of existing outbuildings and the erection of 140 dwellings (including affordable housing), public open space (including alternative natural recreational greenspace), SuDs, landscaping, access and associated works | Land off, SNAILS LANE, BLASHFORD, ELLINGHAM HARBRIDGE & IBSLEY BH24 3PG) 

Read our response here: Snails Lane Letter