Derek Deedman

Following the recent public consultation on new issues relating to the South Downs National Park (Designation) Order 2002 the Secretary of State has decided to re-open the public inquiry.

Arrangements are being made for the inquiry to re-open at 10am on Tuesday 12 February 2008 at The Chatsworth Hotel, Steyne, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 3DU.  Mr Robert Neil Parry, BA DipTP MRTPI, will hold the re-opened inquiry.

The Inspector has been asked to consider, in the context of the terms of the original inquiry, the following specific issues:

i.  any implications for the Designation Order (as varied by the Variation Order) arising directly as a result of the revised National Parks legislation – amendments to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 made by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006;

ii.  any implications for the Designation Order (as varied by the Variation Order) arising directly as a result of the High Court and Court of Appeal Judgments in the challenge by Meyrick Estate Management Ltd relating to the New Forest National Park;

iii. the possible alternative boundary line from north of Petersfield running east across to Pulborough, produced by Natural England at Defra’s request, based on a recommendation in the South Downs Inquiry Report Volume 1, Part 2 (para 2.71); and

iv. those possible additional areas of land recommended for inclusion within the proposed South Downs National Park against which there have been objections.

The Inspector has also been asked to indicate if any other points raised during the further public consultation that was held during the period 2nd July to 24th September 2007 have caused him to change any of his recommendations.

The Inquiry website is at:

http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/southdowns/index.htm

The Planning Inspectorate can be contacted at:                 

                                                Tel: 0117 372 8424

4/02 Kite Wing                           Mobile: 0791 9057365

Temple Quay House                     Fax: 0117 372 8766

2 The Square                                     Email: Barbara.bay@pins.gis.gov.uk

Temple Quay

Bristol BS1 6PN

Derek Deedman has welcomed the addition of land recommended for inclusion in the proposed Park at Small Dole and supports the objections to the recommended exclusions of Steyning and Upper Beeding.