An expert has warned that time is running out for people to object to boundary changes to the planned South Downs National Park.

Towns and villages, including Lewes, Ditchling, Arundel, Steyning and Midhurst, would be excluded from the park under proposals by a planning inspector.

But Paul Millmore, chairman of planning for the South Downs Joint Committee and author of the South Downs Way National Trail Guide, said that omitting these communities would undermine the park's main objectives - conservation and enhancement.

He believes these towns and villages are integral to the character of the park and also needed preservation.

Mr Millmore is now urging people opposed to the plans to make their views known by Monday (Sept 24).

He said: "When you have got communities that are built out of the raw materials of the area how can you separate them from the National Park?

"Many of the people living in those market towns and villages moved to be nearer to the South Downs.

"They are very much in favour of the National Park and will be very angry if they are not included in it.

"Ideally what we are looking for is when the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) re-open the inquiry that they re-examine the exclusion of all those communities and the western Weald.

"This is our only chance to get this done. The boundaries of the Park won't be reviewed again for at least another 50 years."

If the communities were included, planning in those areas would be overseen by the National Park Authority.

Mr Millmore said not incorporating a marine reservation into the final plan was a missed opportunity.

He said: "The Labour party said it wanted to create a visionary 21st century National Park.

"If it excludes these communities, the western Weald and the marine park then it will create a backward-looking 1949-style National Park rather than a visionary one."

Mr Millmore said he expected a second public inquiry to take place in the new year, after which the inspector will make his recommendations to the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, who can either accept, reject or modify them.

The Argus revealed last week that author Bill Bryson warned that proposals to cut the size of the planned National Park by almost a quarter could lead to beautiful countryside being lost for ever.

Monday is the deadline for letters and emails of objection to be sent to Defra.

After that date, objections can still be made to the Secretary of State.

Letters can be sent to Defra at National Parks, Zone 1/03, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6EB or via email to natparksouthdowns@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

After September 24, objections should be sent to Jonathan Shaw MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for the South East at Defra, Nobel House, 17, Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR.

They can also be emailed to jonathan.shaw@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

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