Latest Planning News

Planning Position Statement

This statement by the South Downs National Park Authority sets outs our response to help local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic in line with our socio-economic duty. It was discussed with Members at a workshop on 17 August 2020 and with the Agents’ Forum on 30 September 2020. It will be kept under review as […]

Public Consultation: Poynings Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) has prepared a new Character Appraisal and Management Plan for Poynings Conservation Area. These documents periodically review the continued need and purpose of conservation area designation, are recommended in Government guidance and have proved useful tools for effective development management. Poynings Conservation Area has been designated since 1984 […]

South Downs National Park launches major plan for nature recovery across South East

An ambitious vision to help boost nature and drive a green economic recovery has been unveiled today by the South Downs National Park Authority and partners. The bold strategy, covering the South East region, aims to create a connected network of “green infrastructure” that makes havens for wildlife, supports local economies, helps to mitigate climate […]

New community running track is ready, set, go!

Hundreds of schoolchildren and runners of all ages will benefit from a new community running track, thanks to £71,000 of Section 106 funding. Herne Junior School in Petersfield is building an all-weather one-mile running track that will be used by its 470 pupils, other schoolchildren and the wider community. Despite having an ample-sized field, the […]

Planning Authority helps nature recovery as heathland site gets conservation boost

The future of one of England’s most important and wildlife-rich heathlands is looking brighter than ever after a major fundraising initiative that was boosted by the National Park’s planning teams. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (AC) successfully reached its target of raising £200,000, allowing the charity to buy 20 hectares of heathland at Blackmoor, near Bordon, […]

Promoting the benefits of sustainable drainage in strategic planning

Earlier this year a major five-year £500,000 project was launched to help safeguard the chalk aquifer of the South Downs that supplies water to 1.2m people and is under increasing threat from climate change. The Aquifer Partnership (TAP) will work to protect groundwater in the Brighton Chalk Block from pollution, as well as increase resilience […]