The South Downs

A History of our support of the South Downs National Park

In 2003 we submitted our response to the consultation process for the proposal, strongly supporting the Downs and relevant hinterlands becoming a National Park. CPRE Sussex are concerned that without this protection this unique countryside is at great risk from development.

We strongly support the management of the National Park being governed by an independent statutory authority with appropriate weight to ensure the future strategy and planning within the region. This authority must adopt a sensitive approach to development in the area, ensuring common standards are applied to all aspects of proposed development and only appropriate development permitted. We recommend that if the Park Authority is a sole planning authority then it should have appropriate powers of delegation, e.g. local development control. This will assure residents that their planning applications are viewed with a local context, within the park-wide strategy.

We are a member of the South Downs Campaign Group, which was founded in 1990, "to secure a better future for the South Downs ". The Group, formed of a range of interested groups, actively campaigns for National Park status for the Downs . More information can be found on their website at www.southdownscampaign.org.uk

We played an active part in the Public Inquiry. Our District Groups from across the County took part in the consultation process. Each group commented on the proposed boundary in their area, thus ensuring local knowledge was at the forefront of our recommendations. Volunteers from Sussex CPRE have stood at the Inquiry. We are grateful for their continued diligence ensuring the voice of local CPRE members is heard.