Government launches further consultation on proposed South Downs National Park

The Government has signalled it may decide to re-open the public inquiry into the designation of the South Downs National Park to look at new issues arising from the Inspector's report and from a legal ruling on the criteria used for designating the New Forest National Park.

The planning inspector who held the inquiry into the proposed South Downs designation between 2003 and 2005 recommended confirmation of the requisite order but called for an additional 25 square kilometers of land to be included in the designation, as well as a significant exclusion on the northern boundary.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is inviting objections and representations on the additions recommended by the Inspector; on a new boundary to give effect to his proposed exclusion on the northern boundary (this runs from north of Petersfield and east across to Pulborough); and on the impact of the New Forest legal ruling and subsequent statutory changes.

Most of the area scheduled to become a National Park is already designated as one of two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (South Downs and East Hampshire). The consultation period is due to last until 13 August.

View the Defra consultation page here.

Roger Milne

5 July 2007