New law helps to pave way for national park

1:54pm Wednesday 5th April 2006

Activists have welcomed new laws bringing the campaign for a national park in the South Downs back on track.

The designation of the south downs national park was put on hold by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in February as a result of a legal challenge in the New Forest.

The judge in that case ruled land shaped by man cannot be considered for inclusion in national parks.

The Natural England and Rural Communities Act, which received Royal Assent last week, has overturned that ruling.

Robin Crane, chairman of the South Downs Campaign, said: "It was a great shame this maverick judgment happened when it did but the Government should be congratulated in restoring the law to how it has always been applied.

"Everyone knows both national parks and AONBs (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty), both designated for their natural beauty, are landscapes heavily influenced by man but the judgment called this all into question.

"It is often man's influence that can make a landscape so special and iconic.

"Imagine the Yorkshire Dales without its drystone walls, or the Cotswolds without its villages of honey-coloured stone."

Campaigners are hoping for a decision in principle on the South Downs national park later this year, enabling a national park authority to be established in 2008.

Mr Crane said: "It is 60 years since the South Downs were first proposed as a national park. We don't want to have to wait another 60 before we get there."

Editor's Choice