Plans for a national park have been dealt a blow after a council admitted it is against the plans.
East Sussex County Council fears if a South Downs national park is created it will attract more people than the area can cope with.
Councillor Tony Reid, lead member for transport and the environment, said the council has not been offered more funding to cope with the influx of visitors.
He said: "The national park is one big question mark and we need answers."
He said the National Park Authority may not promote local interests and that housing developments and home extensions could take years to gain planning approval.
"On the surface the idea of a national park sounds very attractive but residents both inside and outside the park could get a raw deal."
The council is also concerned about a perceived increase in traffic the park would bring and the added bureaucracy.
A public inquiry into the plans, which could see a national park extended from East Hampshire to Eastbourne, began last month and is due to end in the autumn.
Wednesday December 03, 2003
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