We are a civic society which is affiliated to the Civic Trust and we hope to encourage high standards of planning and architecture in both the Town and the surrounding villages. These include the preservation, protection and improvement of features of public interest. We also keep members informed about the local environment.

We achieve these aims by inspecting and commenting upon all relevant planning applications, especially when they relate to listed buildings and those in a conservation area. We communicate with the New Forest District Council to express our views. All meetings of the Fordingbridge Town Council Planning Committee are attended by a delegate from our Executive Committee who expresses our views where appropriate.

Right now we have a BIG concern about New Forest District Council planning to put 100 houses in a field off the Eastern side of the Whitsbury Road and North of Burnham Road, and to almost double the size of the Sandleheath Industrial Estate.

The extra traffic - including big articulated lorries - can only get to and from these sites by driving through Fordingbridge High Street. Not a good idea!! Yet another small market town gets suffocated by developments which have not be thought through properly!!

See our letter to NFDC here.

OTHER MATTERS THAT WE ARE KEEPING AN EYE ON..........

1. The future of the old Fordingbridge Hospital site - in danger of being left to rot because no developer will spend the estimated £1 million needed to clean up the asbestos, etc, to make the site viable for development.

2. The site of the Fordingbridge Working Men's Club off Roundhill - what will become of it?

In addition to this website, we publish to all members a 4-monthly newsletter “The Fordingbridger” to report upon our actions in the face of proposed and in-progress developments in the town. Our Editor is always pleased to receive articles of general interest and, in particular, of relevance to our stated aims.

The Executive Committee meets monthly to consider suitable action on issues of interest and concern. Open meetings are also held with outings in the summer. You are advised to make regular visits to the “Programme” page to keep abreast of our current plans.

With over 200 members we have significant influence in our dealings with the local authorities and the more members we have the greater is our strength. So, please join us - click here for the application form with full details of membership rates. If you have any queries the committee member appropriate to your area will be pleased to hear from you (see Contacts).

We have prepared a "Welcome Pack" for newcomers and those planning on moving to Fordingbridge. This booklet contains a wealth of information about every aspect of living in our community. Get your copy by contacting our Hon. Secretary - see "Contacts" page for details.

Details of our "Town Trail" guide to Fordingbridge can be bought for 20p at The Museum, or copies are available from Robert Conrad.

Visiting Fordingbridge? Click here for full details of our Visitor Information Centre.

Shopping in Fordingbridge? Click here for details of all our shops and businesses.

For details on the interesting events, talks and trips we organise, click here.

The 25th Annual General Meeting - our Silver Anniversary - was held in St. Mary's Church Hall on Thursday, 21st October 2010. Click here to read the Minutes of the meeting.

The Fordingbridge Society - Annual Report 2011. Click here to read the Report.