The award-winning built environment of the New Forest National Park was unveiled to His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester today (Wednesday 2 October 2024).
The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) showed how it was working with communities, architects, and owners to conserve local heritage and promote high-quality design.
His Royal Highness visited Sway in the heart of the National Park and toured the site of arts, architecture, and education charity SpudWorks.
The Duke viewed ‘The Living Room’ – an informal art therapy space for people with dementia and mental health issues, the design being a modern spin on an oast house found across Hampshire and beyond. Finished in locally sourced materials and incorporating several energy-efficient features, the building received an NPA Building Design Award earlier this year, with the judging panel describing the design as having ‘remarkable detailing’ and being ‘innovative on every level’. Artists’ studios were also open to view.
His Royal Highness was accompanied by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson Esq and they met NPA Chair David Bence, NPA Planning Committee Chair Gordon Bailey, and Cllr David Hawkins, Chairman of New Forest District Council.
Tom Sofikitis and Suna Imre of SpudWorks explained the work of the charity while Steve Avery, the NPA’s Executive Director of Strategy and Planning, and Building Design and Conservation Officer Emily Carter discussed building design in the National Park.
Two other nearby developments were highlighted – a former pub and Grade II Listed Building called Forest Heath House which has been turned into five flats; and a former garage business site which in 2019 was turned into the Sway Co-op building, with four flats above and four new houses behind. The design of the new buildings went through a series of iterations before planning permission could be granted.
The Duke was presented to Sway Parish Chair Councillor Howard Millett and Sway Parish Council Clerk Katie Walding at Sway Manor Hotel to hear about building design considerations in the village.
A discussion point was a display about the NPA’s Local List – an initiative to work with communities to highlight assets of architectural or historic interest which contribute to the character and appearance of the National Park. Special consideration is then given to assets of local interest when planning proposals are submitted.
New Forest National Park Authority Chair David Bence said: “The New Forest is renowned for its natural environment but its built environment is also an important part of the local character of the area. The National Park Authority receives around 1,000 planning applications each year. Over 80% are approved thanks to work with the applicant to ensure that any developments are in keeping with and enhance local communities. His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester has a keen interest in architecture and local heritage and we were delighted to show him high-quality schemes ranging from new homes to businesses and vital community services.”
The Duke also visited converted chapel East Boldre Community Stores in the New Forest National Park – a community-owned and run shop which opened in February 2024 to safeguard vital local services when the existing village shop and Post Office closed.
