Vicki Colwell, Principal Planning Officer, gives an update on proposals for a new renewable energy scheme that is now out for public consultation. As well as dealing with thousands of planning applications each year, we are also involved in several major national projects for road improvements, renewable energy and other infrastructure. These Nationally Significant Infrastructure […]

The Authority has produced new planning guidance for current and potential winemakers – recognising that any increase in vineyards must protect and enhance the treasured landscape of the South Downs and help biodiversity. This is supported by a new report which looks at the growth in wine production witnessed in the National Park in recent […]

Young people are benefitting from a sparkling-new kitchen at their youth centre, thanks to funding from the National Park Authority. The King’s Arms Youth Centre, in Petersfield, Hampshire, was given £15,000 of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to refurbish the kitchen in their new permanent base in the town. The King’s Arms, affectionately known as […]

Two families are now starting a life in new homes in the heart of the National Park after the Authority provided funding to help secure affordable housing. The Authority helped to secure a grant of £60,000 for the Midhurst Community Land Trust, which is a not-for-profit organisation established with the aim of making housing in […]

Tim Slaney, Director of Planning for the South Downs National Park Authority, gives his take on the growing role of planning in helping people’s health and wellbeing. Planning and health are inextricably linked – and I  believe that link is as important as ever. Of course, the very roots of our planning system stemmed from […]