An old crossing point on the Test
Archaeological work at Testwood Lakes uncovered the remains of one of the oldest known bridges in England, dated to roughly the Bronze Age, showing that people have been crossing the River Test at this point for thousands of years — long before the modern residential area took shape.
Part of Totton and Eling
Testwood is one of the settlements within the Totton and Eling civil parish, covered by New Forest District Council for planning. Testwood School, built in the late 1930s, has anchored this part of the area for generations.
Suburban gardens near open water
Housing around Testwood tends toward fairly standard suburban plots, with the added benefit of being close to Testwood Lakes and open green space — worth mentioning to an installer if a garden room is being planned with a view or outlook in mind.
Frequently asked questions
Which council covers Testwood?+
New Forest District Council, as Testwood falls within the Totton and Eling civil parish.
Is Testwood the same as Totton?+
Testwood is a distinct residential area within the wider Totton and Eling parish, close to the River Test and Testwood Lakes, rather than being the same as Totton town centre.
Nearby areas
Services
Useful local links
- Test Valley Borough Council — Planning Permission and Pre-Application Advice — The local planning authority for Romsey and most of the surrounding villages covered by this site.
- New Forest District Council — Planning Guidance for Householders — Covers Totton, Testwood and Calmore for planning purposes.
- Southampton City Council — Planning Permission — The separate unitary authority covering the city of Southampton.
- New Forest National Park Authority — Planning — The local planning authority for land within the New Forest National Park, including Copythorne and Newbridge.
- Planning Portal — Outbuildings — National guidance on permitted development for garden buildings.