The Lymington Society

News update September 2022

The latest update from the Lymington Society recently sent out by new Chair Don Mackenzie makes a great read! 

It includes updates on all of the following:

• Message from Don Mackenzie Chair of Lymington Society
• Full Social Programme announced for 2022 - 2023 Season
• Report on AGM
• Redrow Lymington Shores - Full Update.
• Still no decison on Police Station Site Appeal
• Lymington Society concerns over Neighbourhood Plan.
• Creek Cottage Barns update after discussions with New Forest NPA and owner
• Society To help create "Local List" of important local buildings not able to be listed.
• Society To seek review of Local Plan to combat retirement flats in town
• Huge development approved for Milford Road despite concerns over new junction
• Royal Mail refused Lymsoc plans for community use for large windows at old Post Office
• Lymington Society seeks dialogue with NFDC over wheelie bins
• Report from the Planning Committee
• Lymington Society urges improved road safety at Pennington

Click here to read the very newsy and upbeat September newsletter from the Lymington Society. 

About The Lymington Society

Lymington is one of those special places. An historic town, with a wonderful Georgian High Street and set in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

The Lymington Society is what is known as a Civic Society or a Preservation Society and was formed in 1967 by a group of local people led by Peter Hope-Jones who also helped set up the Lymington Centre.

They felt that the need existed for a Society to help local residents protect the community from unsuitable developments and to provide a focus for local people to raise their concerns about a wide range of issues affecting life in the town.

The Society is a member of Civic Voice which is the national organisation for Civic and Preservation Societies. This brings many benefi ts to the Society and to members and more details can be found on our website.

Over the years, the Society has been involved in many planning issues in its role in protecting Lymington from unsuitable developments. Highlights include helping prevent building in the historic Iron Age hill fort at Buckland Rings, appearing at the Public Inquiry into the new Wightlink ferries introduced in 2010 and obtaining Grade II listed building protection for the Master’s House in the grounds of the Victorian workhouse at East Hill.

What we do

Planning Watchdog

The Society’s major role is to act as a ‘planning watchdog’ seeking to prevent unsuitable development taking place which could harm the character of the town.

We review all planning applications on a monthly basis, and make representations to the authorities to either object to or support applications as they come forward.

If necessary we will appear at planning appeal hearings or Public Inquires to make our views heard.

Consultations with Local Councils and Planning Authorities

The Society is regularly consulted by local councils concerning major planning applications and planning policy announcements such as the development of Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans. We take part in all major planning consultations that the authorities may undertake to represent the views of our members and the wider community.

Social Meetings and Topical Talks

The Society organises regular programme of meetings and talks including Christmas Drinks and summer garden partyfor its members, as well as illustrated talks on topics of local interest and visits to local places and businesses of interest to members.

Local Conservation initiatives

The Society has undertaken various initiatives to protect important local buildings. We successfully obtained listed building status for the ‘Master’s House’ the only surviving ‘fever ward’ built for sick inmates in the grounds of the local workhouse in the early 1800s.

We have also undertaken the task of raising funds for the restoration of the Burrard Neale Monument at Walhampton, and the surrounding grounds.

This has resulted in a successful application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for almost £100,000 which will be spent restoring and repairing this monument to one of Lymington’s most important historical figures.

Volunteering

In connection with the successful project spearheaded by the Society at the Burrard Neale Monument at Walhampton, we have organised teams of volunteers to undertake bulb planting and other conservation tasks. The Society intends to continue to develop volunteering opportunities in the town for members.

Campaigns

The Lymington Society runs public debates concerning important issues or particular developments that have the potential to have significant impact on Lymington and its surroundings.

We have held three major Public Meetings in recent years to draw attention to important developments and have campaigned on a range of other issues.

These major concerns have included:

• Over-development and ‘garden grabbing’
• The Redrow development on the riverside site
• The arrival of larger Wightlink Ferries
• The Lymington Bus Station
• The Need for a Neighbourhood Plan

We will continue to keep a watching brief on important issues affecting the town and welcome suggestions on important concerns that we should investigate.

Join the Society

The Society welcomes new members to help with the important task of keeping Lymington special. If you have an interest in preserving the unique character which makes Lymington such an attractive place to live, then why not join the Society and make your contribution to keeping Lymington special.

We especially would welcome new members who bring skills in architecture, conservation and town planning as well as public relations, social media and website design.

However, all residents of the town with or without particular skills to offer, are very welcome to join our thriving Society both to support the community and to enjoy our lively social programme.

Why not help to preserve your town and meet and make new friends as well at our many social events. If these matters interest you, please come along to our next meeting and find out more

Please find full detail of how to join the Society on our website www.lymsoc.co.uk.