A TOWN council will hold an extraordinary meeting a planning application which could see up to 400 dwellings built if approved.

Taylor Wimpey has submitted its outline plans for a major scheme on land on the edge of Ringwood.

The firm wants to build up to 400 new homes and three hectares of employment land on fields north of Hightown Road, near the A31.

And Ringwood Town Council will meet virtually next week to discuss to application.

The meeting will be held via Zoom and people are urged to submit questions to town.council@ringwood.gov.uk in advance.

Some residents have already stated their concerns after the application was published on the council’s planning portal earlier this year.

Resident Don Faulkner said: “In Wimpy's design and access statement they describe Ringwood as ‘a vibrant market town’.

“That is true at the moment, but if this development goes ahead Ringwood will become just another anonymous commuter town at the side of a major road.

“This is a historical well-liked market town, please do not destroy it by granting this planning application.”

Diana Jackman said: “The addition of 400 more homes and industrial units is totally unsustainable. There would be a huge impact on the local community. Our schools are already oversubscribed and we only have two GP practices for the whole Ringwood area.

“Sadly, Ringwood is no longer the small market town which we all love. There is obviously still a need for additional housing but is it not time New Forest District Council looked at other areas in the New Forest? Ringwood has already had it's fair share of development and cannot cope with any more.”

To register for the meeting, visit the Ringwood Town Council’s Facebook page.