Help protect the character, appearance and environment of Ringwood! 

We are asking residents of Ringwood and the surrounding area to come together to oppose the proposed development of 31 retirement apartments on The Close in Ringwood.

Churchill Living is proposing a  three-storey retirement development on a relatively small site, close to one of the main pedestrian approaches into the town centre.

We believe this development is simply too large and too intrusive whilst not meeting the  Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan and other planning policies intended to protect our local town. 

Ringwood is a historic market town with a distinctive character. Its relationship with the surrounding New Forest National Park, together with its traditional townscape and green spaces are important parts of what makes Ringwood special.

A large three-storey building on this site would fundamentally change the appearance and character of this part of Ringwood. We are concerned that the proposed development would:

• Change the character and appearance of The Close with a large three-storey building that is out of scale with its surroundings.
• Create an overbearing impact on neighbouring properties and the surrounding streetscape through increased traffic, parking and highway pressures on an already constrained and important route into the town centre.
• Increase the environmental impact of the site, including the carbon footprint associated with constructing and operating a substantial new building, together with the additional hardstanding required for parking and the associated increase in vehicle movements and emissions.
• Remove existing vegetation and habitat, while increasing surface water runoff.
• Overall undermine the design principles set out in the Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan, including requirements relating to local character, green infrastructure, biodiversity and active travel.

Ringwood deserves development that respects its surroundings. Once this character is lost, it cannot be restored.

Please sign the petition and help ensure that the future of Ringwood is shaped with the interests of the whole community in mind.