South Downs National Park Inquiry

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The original inquiry closed on Wednesday 23 March 2005 after 91 sitting days and 23 accompanied site visits. Following submission of the inquiry report to the Secretary of State DEFRA, and consultation on new issues relating to the South Downs National Park (Designation) Order 2002, DEFRA announced that the Secretary of State had decided to re-open the public inquiry.

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

The inquiry re-opened on Tuesday 12 February 2008 at The Chatsworth Hotel, Steyne, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 3DU. Mr Robert Neil Parry, BA DipTP MRTPI, held the re-opened inquiry. The inquiry concluded oral evidence on Wednesday 28 May 2008, and closed on Friday 4 July after 27 sitting days. The Inspector's report was submitted to DEFRA at the end of November 2008. On 31 March 2009 The South Downs National Park was announced: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/protected-areas/national-parks/south-downs/index.htm

Following Defra's consultation on the proposed inclusion of 6 additional areas relating to the South Downs National Park (Designation) Order 2002, the Secretary of State has decided to hold a Hearing of Objections/representations relating to the 6 additional areas. As there may have been some confusion over the Inspector’s intentions regarding Green Ridge and a mistake in respect of an objection concerning Gote Farm, the Hearing will also hear representations on those matters. No other objections/representations will be considered by the Inspector.

Mr Robert Neil Parry, BA DipTP MRTPI, opened the Hearing at 10am on Tuesday 18th August 2009 at The Chatsworth Hotel, Steyne, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 3DU. The hearing was concluded that day and the Inspector's report was passed to DEFRA on 28th August 2009.

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