PLANS to boost Ringwood's fortunes with a new shopping centre and community complex look likely to move a step closer.

This is despite the scheme being given the thumbs down by a small majority of residents who responded to a consultation document.

New Forest District Council planning chief Chris Elliott is recommending that option one - mixed development in the Furlong car park - is pursued, even though marginally more people voted for no change.

On Thursday, town centre steering group members will hear that 1,420 people and 26 community organisations had responded to the consultation document.

Of those, 588 said they wanted to keep the status quo in the Furlong car park.

Another 534 said they wanted option one: which includes 3,000 square metres of new shops a 300-seat theatre, public offices, two areas of decked car parking, a replacement bus/coach and taxi interchange, replacement toilets and visitor information centre.

Just 90 people wanted option two which is 4,000 square metres of new shops, decked parking, transport interchange and new toilets and visitor information building.

Another 157 wanted option three, which is new public offices, theatre, toilets and visitor centre.

Ringwood Town Council supports option one.

Mayor Cllr Brian Terry said: "I welcome the news. I think it will be an extension of what Ringwood can offer and with the additional securities we are asking for in the High Street, it will be a good thing."

The Ringwood Society believes going for option one may be premature. Its members want a more inclusive scheme.

Crown Hill Residents' Association supports option one but has concerns, such as loss of trees.

Ringwood Carnival Committee says options one and two would affect their procession route.

In his report to the steering group, Mr Elliott admits the results of the survey "are not clear cut".

But his view that option one should be pursued "is strongly influenced by the professional advice that Ringwood does need to develop additional shopping floor space over the next 10 years if it is to maintain its current position as a thriving market town.

"If it does not then new shopping development will be attracted elsewhere and this would be detrimental to the long term prospects of the town."

If steering group members decide to proceed with option one, the cabinet will be asked to approve up to £100,000 to progress the scheme.