South Downs National Park Authority seeks reviews on Local Plan

The National Park Authority launched a corresponding survey last month, seeking feedback on the review and ways in which people wish to be involved.

The adopted Local Plan is undergoing review to remain current and address issues including nature recovery, climate change, and the prosperity of local communities.

The consultation, focusing on the plan's extent and public involvement, is set to finish on September 16.

The first draft of the plan is due to be consulted on early next year.

Offline as well as online, survey promotion has been a focus for the National Park's planning policy team, even at summer outreach events.

Claire Tester engaging with public about Local Plan Review (Image: Supplied)

Individuals between 13 to 25 years old are encouraged to participate in the survey with a draw prize of a £50 gift voucher.

Participation link: https://sdnpalocalplanreview.commonplace.is/

Claire Tester, planning policy manager for the National Park Authority, said: "We’ve launched this initial survey to help us prepare for a consultation on a first draft of the Plan early next year and get an idea of what people would like us to focus on. I’d like to thank everybody who has contributed so far and would encourage people to get involved before the survey closes in September.

"Among the respondents’ priorities so far have been biodiversity, cleaner rivers, landscape protection and tranquillity."

"There is much of our existing and award-winning Local Plan that we propose to keep, such as the landscape-led approach, ecosystem services that protect vital resources such as the aquifer that supplies drinking water to 1.2m people, as well as the strategy of a medium level of development dispersed across the National Park.

"The review will give us the opportunity to address issues, such as climate change and nature recovery, review development needs and provision figures, and allow us to address changes in national policy."