New Forest housing proposal raises healthcare capacity concerns

Wyatt Homes has unveiled plans for a major mixed-use development at Kings Farm, east of Hordle in the New Forest. The proposal includes the construction of 350 homes, a primary school with nursery provision, and up to 1.3 hectares of employment land. The project would require the demolition of approximately 3,500 square metres of existing farm buildings.

The NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) has raised concerns regarding the impact on local health services. While the ICB stated that GP surgeries serving the area currently have sufficient capacity to manage the additional patients, they warned that this position is based on a “snapshot” of current capacity.

The board noted that if other housing developments are approved in the interim, the increased patient numbers could push local surgeries beyond their limits. Consequently, the ICB has advised the council to consider a contingency provision of approximately £680 per dwelling to fund primary care infrastructure should a reassessment become necessary.