The South Downs National Park Authority has opened its most consequential planning consultation in years, inviting residents to help draft a 20-year Local Plan that will govern development, conservation, and economic growth across the 1,600-square-kilometer landscape. The draft plan, released May 12, runs through June 23, giving the public a rare chance to influence policies that will shape the park’s future.
Key Points
- ⏳ Consultation open until June 23
- 🏡 3,559 new homes proposed by 2042
- 🌿 Nature restoration and climate action prioritised
The plan replaces the 2019 version and tackles housing affordability, quality development, and the park’s role as an economic driver. Hampshire Hedge, a restoration project, has already hit its 16km target, while the authority has pledged to cut emissions and protect dark skies. Staff have studied 800 sites that could accommodate over 5,800 homes, with 77 priority allocations earmarked for residential, commercial, and community use.
| Priority Site | Location | Proposed Homes |
|---|---|---|
| Shoreham Cement Works | Near Shoreham-by-Sea | Up to 400 |
| Petersfield Heath and Pond | Petersfield | To be determined |
Vanessa Rowlands, chair of the South Downs National Park Authority, framed the plan as a chance to safeguard the park’s cherished qualities. “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar,” she said. “It’s about protecting landscapes, communities, dark skies, and wildlife while ensuring a thriving rural economy.” The authority received nearly 2,000 submissions in last year’s initial consultation and has incorporated feedback into the draft.
Tim Slaney, director of placemaking, stressed the plan’s dual focus: creating “special places” inspired by the landscape while delivering practical solutions for housing and jobs. The draft includes provisions for over 2,000 new jobs and sets a target of 323 homes per year, balancing growth with conservation.
💡 Pro Tip
Focus your feedback on specific policies rather than general concerns. Cite evidence from the draft plan—such as site allocations or climate targets—to strengthen your submission.
After the consultation, the plan will be reviewed by a Planning Inspector in autumn, with any major modifications subject to another public review. The authority aims to adopt the final plan by 2027, after which all future planning applications will be assessed against its policies. Residents can review the draft and submit comments via southdowns.gov.uk/planning-policy/new-south-downs-local-plan.
📋 By The Numbers
- 1,600 sq km — Size of the South Downs National Park
- 2,000 — Organisations and individuals who contributed to the draft plan
- 2027 — Target year for adopting the final Local Plan
The consultation is the first step in a process that will determine whether the park can achieve its goals: affordable housing, restored ecosystems, and a sustainable economy. With the June 23 deadline looming, the authority is urging residents to act now or risk missing their chance to shape the park’s legacy.
- 🔍 The draft plan prioritises brownfield sites but includes greenfield allocations where necessary.
- ⚠️ Some conservation groups warn that housing targets could still threaten wildlife corridors.
- 📊 The plan aligns with national biodiversity and net-zero targets but lacks specific timelines for some climate actions.
The outcome of this consultation will ripple across the South Downs for generations, determining whether the park remains a haven for wildlife, a home for communities, and a model for sustainable development.
