PLANS to provide a permanent home for New Forest National Park Authority staff at Lymington town hall look likely to move a step closer in early June when district council Cabinet members discuss the issue.

Also up for discussion will be what Ringwood councillor Jeremy Heron described as “exciting” plans to bring New Forest district, Ringwood town and Hampshire county councils under one roof at new offices in the Furlong car park.

Since it was set up five years ago, the National Park Authority (NPA) has been operating with temporary planning permission from South Efford House, the former offices of Horticultural Research International at Efford, near Lymington.

A statement by the NPA said: “If the green light is given to this project, all parties would like to move as quickly as possible.”

If the move is approved as expected, it will take place next year following refurbishment work starting this autumn. Defra has given initial approval for funding.