South Downs National Park - Introduction

The public inquiry to examine the Countryside Agency's designation of the South Downs National Park opened on November 10.

After a lengthy consultation period during which some councils in Sussex challenged the proposals, the Government decided in April 2003 to call them in for public inquiry.

The councils' main objection is that they will lose planning powers - currently around 4,500 planning orders are made within the designated park boundaries.

Supporters, who have fought for over 50 years for national park status, say councils will continue to make planning decisions while ultimate control will rest with the national park authority.

It will be up to the public inquiry now to settle this dispute and a host of other disagreements over designated land within the proposed park.

The inquiry will be conducted in three phases and is expected to last around nine months.

If approved, the national park is expected to be operating in 2006.