All posts by jefftravis

Update on preparing a new Local Plan for the South Downs

February 6th, 2026

Claire Tester, Head of Strategic Planning, gives a useful update on the South Downs Local Plan and the next steps towards adoption of a new masterplan for placemaking in the National Park. The Proposed Submission Local Plan is being reported to Planning Committee on 12 February and the full National Park Authority on 20 March […]

Get to know the Director of Placemaking at South Downs National Park

February 6th, 2026

Tim Slaney, Director of Placemaking for the National Park Authority, writes about the many varied aspects of his role. Being a Director of Planning in a National Park Being a Director of Placemaking in a National Park is one of the most fascinating, varied, and when it goes well, rewarding roles imaginable.  No more than […]

Inspector backs enforcement at historic manor house in South Downs

February 6th, 2026

An appeal to retain a parking area next to a manor house dating back to the 1700s has been dismissed. Planning Inspector RJ Redford upheld the National Park Authority’s decision not to retrospectively permit a parking area in the immediate vicinity of Stanmer House, near Brighton, which is now subject to an enforcement notice requiring […]

New affordable homes on brownfield land in South Downs National Park

February 6th, 2026

Much-needed affordable housing has been given the green light for brownfield sites in Petworth. The National Park’s Planning Committee gave the go-ahead, subject to completion of a legal agreement, for Hyde Housing Association to demolish garages across 11 sites near Station Road. The garages are undersized and are no longer used for parking vehicles. In […]

Go-ahead for facilities for children in South Downs woods

February 5th, 2026

New forest school facilities to help children learn about nature and the environment have been approved at a previously contaminated wood. Chris Nutley, owner of Pondtail Wood, and ‘Wood and Wild’, an established forest school business, were given planning permission by the National Park Authority to build a fully accessible cabin within the beautiful woodland, […]