All posts by Luke Geoghegan

Consultation on Local Validation List

June 5th, 2023

Review of the South Downs National Park’s Local List for Validation of South Downs National Park Development Management Applications Since 2008 local planning authorities have been required to publish a list of information they require to “validate” the planning applications they receive. This validation list forms two components, the national requirements, including the application form, […]

Count the stars and help to save them

February 8th, 2019

Written by Emma Marrington, Senior Rural Policy Campaigner at Campaign to Protect Rural England. Image above © Matthew Savage. When was the last time you experienced a truly dark, star-filled night sky, even in the countryside? Or saw the beauty of the Milky Way clearly? It’s part of our national heritage but I suspect that […]

The Light of my Life

February 8th, 2019

Written by Michael Blencowe of the Sussex Wildlife Trust. Image above © Derek Middleton There comes a time in everyone’s life when they tire of the fleeting distractions and amusements that our modern society has to offer. That day came to me at the age of five. So I became a naturalist and as the […]

Local Plan is a step closer to adoption

February 8th, 2019

Following a series of public hearing sessions in November and December last year, the Planning Inspector has asked the National Park Authority to make a number of “Main Modifications” to the first ever Local Plan for the South Downs. Those changes focus on ensuring the “soundness” of the 15-year plan. While the consultation is looking […]

The wonderful benefits of the South Downs for children’s mental health

February 7th, 2019

Did you know that the mental health benefits of going for a walk can last seven hours? The link between the great outdoors and wellness is nothing new, but mounting evidence across a range of studies points towards there being a real scientific connection between experiencing the natural world and a long-lasting positive impact on […]