Latest Planning News - South Downs National Park Authority

Home adaptations are a ‘dream come true’

Alterations made to a family home have made a life-changing difference to one five-year-old boy. Oliver Bailey-Hill has a rare genetic condition and needs round-the-clock care. His parents, Lauren Hill and Darren Bailey, could not find a home suitable for his needs that allowed him stay near his hometown of Alton, Hampshire. So instead, a […]

10 questions with…Chris Paterson

We catch up with Chris Paterson, Communities Lead for our planning team. Three words that sum up your job in planning? Busy, random and rewarding. Okay, so what’s your role at the National Park? My main role is to support our local communities to conserve and enhance the National Park. The South Downs […]

Protecting historic charm of downland village

Efforts to protect the heritage and character of a downland village have been strengthened by the adoption of a new conservation plan. Following an eight-week public consultation, the Kingston Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan was adopted by the Authority’s Planning Committee. Kingston-near-Lewes is an attractive village about two miles south of Lewes in the […]

Award success for new housing in South Downs National Park

Excellent design, architecture and craftmanship were the winners at the 2021 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards. Thirty award-winning projects were announced at the 2021 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards, held at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe, near Brighton. The Awards saw the inaugural announcement of the South Downs Design Award, which was sponsored by the South Downs National […]

Protecting the South Downs landscape in the digital age

Key digital infrastructure will be improved in the National Park while minimising impact on the landscape. Planning officers at the Authority have worked extensively with BT/EE to help upgrade internet coverage on the busy South Western Trains line between London and Portsmouth and Southampton as part of a wider government-supported project. Gaps in coverage meant […]

Dunford House appeal is rejected by Inspector

John Saunders, Development Manager at Chichester District Council, gives an update on appeals against the refusal of planning permission and listed building consent for the change of use and alteration of the former YMCA Conference Centre, at Dunford House, West Lavington, to a single dwelling. Dunford House was built around 1852 for Sir Richard Cobden […]