A council has formally objected to the South Downs National Park, a move which will trigger a public inquiry into the plan.
East Sussex County Council's ruling cabinet agreed to object, saying there was no evidence the park would be of any benefit to the South Downs.
We reported on Tuesday the authority was earmarking £50,000 for lawyers and specialist witnesses at the hearing, expected to start in the autumn.
Leader Peter Jones said: "The county council has consistently objected in principle to national park designation of the South Downs.
"Planning and other important decisions would be taken out of the hands of the elected representatives of the community."
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