More than 2,700 responses to the South Downs Local Plan being considered

The latest consultation on the Local Plan, which will guide how and when development takes place in the park, over the next 20 years, closed on June 23, with 2,700 comments submitted from around 1,300 people and organisations.

All representations received during the consultation, together with supporting evidence and submission documents, have been registered and are now being reviewed by officers at the National Park Authority.

The goal of the Local Plan is to address vital issues such as the need for affordable housing, quality development, restoring nature, climate action, a flourishing rural economy and helping local communities thrive.

In November and December this year, the National Park’s planning committee and the full authority will consider the outcomes of the consultation, including any proposed modifications to address the representations and any other changes since the Local Plan was agreed last March.

Subject to this consideration, the new Local Plan, together with any proposed modifications and the latest consultation representations, will then be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination and published on the National Park Authority’s website.

Claire Tester, head of strategic planning for the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “This is such an important plan for the future of this wonderful National Park and I’d like to thank each and every person who has responded so far to the consultations.

“One of the key concerns from the community that came up in our latest consultation was that the South Downs Local Plan includes more proposed housing and other development given that this is a National Park.

“We have statutory purposes to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area, and to help people understand and appreciate those assets.

“However, we also have a statutory duty to foster the economic and social wellbeing of our communities.

“The South Downs is Britain’s most populated National Park with more than 113,000 residents, living in one of the four towns and smaller villages and settlements, and we have nearly 6,000 businesses.

“Therefore, it’s important we plan for the future and the continued vitality of these towns and villages, supporting local facilities and ensuring there are suitable homes, particularly affordable homes for local communities.

“This is a plan about innovative and diligent placemaking, so with appropriate, sustainable growth comes significant wider benefits for people, including health and wellbeing, habitat creation for wildlife, community infrastructure, jobs and climate action.”

During the latest consultation, concerns were also raised about the addition of new sites for potential development, as well as questions over significant changes to sites that were previously consulted on.

Claire said: “It’s important that we listen to the feedback received at each consultation stage. This includes feedback from some of our partner councils that the Local Plan should do more to address housing needs in the area.

"!Following a consultation in early 2025 the National Park Authority reviewed all the existing sites and additional ones submitted during that consultation and this led to new sites being added to the Local Plan consulted on this spring.

“The submission of new sites at all stages of plan preparation is a recognised part of the plan-making process.

“Comments made on all these proposed sites will be considered by the authority prior to submission of the Local Plan and by the Inspector during the examination.”

The Planning Inspectorate is expecting around 100 Local Plans from across the country to be submitted for independent examination before December 31.

This means there may be a delay before the examination hearings can take place.

By January next year, the National Park Authority expects to receive confirmation of the appointed Inspector(s) and dates for examination hearings.

Claire added: “All those who told us that they wanted to be heard at the examination hearings will be contacted in advance of these hearing dates and given further guidance on how to participate. Should the Inspector be minded to recommend modifications to the Local Plan, there will be a further six-week consultation on these modifications during the examination.”

After completing all the required stages, it’s hoped that the new Local Plan will be adopted in 2027. From then on, all planning applications will be considered against policies in the new Local Plan.

To see the proposed Local Plan visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning-policy/new-south-downs-local-plan/