National Park status will not affect planning policies in the New Forest, claims leader of the authority.

Following a meeting of New Forest District Council's advisory cabinet, Leader Simon Hayes says planning issues are not one of the reasons for giving the New Forest National Park status.

"A lot of local discussion on the advantages or otherwise of being included in a National Park seems to be about whether a new National Park Planning Authority would make a change to how planning operates locally," he said.

"If there is a new National Park, the well-established planning policies for the area will not be altered significantly nor will development control decisions on whether to permit new building be radically changed.

"Sometimes there is a misinterpretation that 'no development' is allowed in National Parks.

The New Forest Heritage Area is already recognised both locally and nationally as having a status equivalent to a National Park for the purposes of planning, said Coun Hayes

The Council will look in detail at the draft boundary consultation early in the new year, before responding to the Countryside Agency which will consider all representations before any revised boundary proposals go out for statutory consultation next year.

"We have long sought a permanent National Park designation, but have considerable misgivings that a standard National Park Authority would be the appropriate body to deal with the unique circumstances of the Forest," said Coun Hayes.

"We are working closely with the Countryside Agency in order to ensure that the District Council and local communities are as well informed as possible before any final views are formed," he added.