South Downs Local Plan: Proposed Submission May 2026
The new South Downs Local Plan is published on 12 May for public comment for a six week period until 23 June 2026 (closing at 23:59). It is published under Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.
The following documents are published for consultation:
- The South Downs Local Plan – Proposed Submission (Regulation 19) May 2026
- The Policies Map
- Supporting evidence (including Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment) and background documents
You can respond online using the consultation platform: https://southdowns-consult.objective.co.uk.
The new Local Plan can be downloaded here:
- Full document
- Chapters 1-3: Introduction, Vision and Objectives, Spatial Portrait and Strategy
- Chapter 4: Strategic Policies
- Chapter 5: Site Allocations
- Appendices
The Policies Map shows how policies in the Proposed Submission (Regulation 19) Local Plan and in Made Neighbourhood Development Plans apply to different geographical areas in the South Downs National Park.
PDF versions of the Policies Map can be viewed here:
Overview Maps
Settlement Maps
How to comment
We strongly encourage all representations to be made online using our consultation portal: https://southdowns-consult.objective.co.uk.
Submitting comments online is the quickest and most efficient way to make a representation and helps us to process all representations promptly and effectively.
If you are unable to comment online, representations may alternatively be submitted using the Representation Questionnaire, and returned:
By email: planningpolicy@southdowns.gov.uk
Further details on how to comment, and what matters can be raised at this stage, and how representations will be handled are set out in our Guidance Note on Making a Representation, and Statement of Representations.
By post: Planning Policy Team, South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
- Where to view paper copies
You can view paper copies of the documents listed above and/or collect representation form(s) at our principal offices during opening hours:- South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH, for opening hours see: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/national-park-authority/our-communities/south-downs-centre/
- Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre, Exceat, East Sussex, BN25 4AD, for opening hours see: https://www.sevensisters.org.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-times/
Alternatively, the documents can be viewed at the following libraries during their opening hours:
- Bishops Waltham Library, Free Street, Bishops Waltham, Hampshire, SO32 1EE
- Findon Valley Library, Lime Tree Avenue, Findon Valley, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 0DH
- Hassocks Library, 9 Ewart Close, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 8FJ
- Lancing Library, Penstone Park, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9DL
- Lewes Library, Styles Field, Friars Walk, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2LZ
- Liphook Library, London Road, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7AN
- Midhurst Library, The Grange, Bepton Road, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9HD
- Petersfield Library, 27 The Square, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3HH
- Petworth Library, High Street, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0AU
- Steyning Library, Church Street, Steyning, West Sussex, BN44 3YB
If you are having trouble accessing the documents, or if you require the consultation documents in an alternative format, please contact the South Downs Planning Policy Team via email at planningpolicy@southdowns.gov.uk
Find out more – drop in events
Join a drop in or online session to learn about the new Local Plan and how to comment at the following:
Drop in events:
Lewes Depot, Pinwell Road, Lewes BN7 2JS
Wednesday 20 May 4–7pm
Petersfield Festival, Heath Road, Petersfield GU31 4EA
Thursday 21 May 4–7pm
Online appointments (pre‑booking required)
5‑minute slots available:
• from 12:00 on 3 June
• from 17:00 on 4 June
Please book via Eventbrite.
For more information, please read our Frequently Asked Questions document.
Evidence Base
This evidence that has been undertaken to inform the New South Downs Local Plan can be viewed here.
Previous Engagement and Consultation Feedback
The details of engagement and consultation on the new Local Plan so far can be viewed here.