The Lymington Society has been concerned about the development of the ex. Webb's Chicken Factory site since the factory closed down in mid 2001. We took these concerns to the Officers and Councillors of the New Forest Council during our meeting with them in Oct. 2001

Our main concern was that despite the previous uses of the site for employment, the Council should be open to possible new uses. We felt that the site presented a one off chance to enhance the town for generations to come which should not be lost by over emphasis of old planning policies that did not recognise the unique nature of the site. We have therefore been involved in producing our own recommendation for the site which we have presented to our members and to the New Forest District Council.

We also took part in a consultation meeting at which the Site Agents introduced the two short listed developers Barrett's and Banner Homes. These companies presented their plans in detail. At the meeting in Lymington in May 2002 these companies presented their plans and we were able to expand on the position that we had developed in consultation with our members and others including the working party convened by Richard Webb. We then submitted a detailed report on the proposals to the Sites Agents for their consideration when choosing the eventual developers.

• Next to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• Adjacent to a Conservation Area
• On the banks of the Lymington River
• In an area of outstanding natural beauty

The NFDC is adamant that the area should maintain as many jobs as possible and has issued planning guidance to this effect. The Society feels that this site should not be considered part of the region's stock of industrial land but as an area where the Town of Lymington can create an exciting area for future generations.

Key to this are the following main aims:

• The area should become a extension of the Town Centre with mixed uses including housing, work/live units (allowing people to live above their work), waterside restaurants/cafe, leisure facilities.
• A connection should be established if at all possible to the Quay to allow tourists to have access to the area.
• A wide River Walk should be established with trees and planting, plus play area to encourage families to visit the area.
• Jobs should come out of the natural growth of mixed small scale uses NOT through the building of large industrial uses.
• The Community should gain from the site in some way through facilities such as a Hotel/Conference Centre or public open space.
• Any housing should be a mix of social and commercial , and not become a ghetto of expensive houses.