In a letter to the NPA (which is here), Natural England state that they are expecting the joint NE/FC “Assessment of evidence supporting wetland restoration projects in the New Forest” to be complete during October.  It will be subject to “independent peer review” through Natural England’s Science Advisory Committee.  We are disappointed that this work will be carried out internally by NE/FC, instead of the thorough and independent review that we were expecting.

We understand that the NPA’s Planning Committee have deferred consideration of the Latchmore planning application from 18 October to their following meeting on 15 November, which means that a planning decision will not be made by the NPA until after the Assessment has been completed.