AN MP is among those calling for plans to build a road across protected downland to be dropped, amid fears it could spoil a view often recreated in popular culture.
A planning row has been sparked after plans were reintroduced to build a hard-surfaced road between two private properties just a stone's throw from the Seven Sisters cliffs.
The road would run between Crowlink, in Friston and Crowlink Corner, a private property near East Dean. This is said to "provide a safer access to serve Crowlink Corner".
It would be made from limestone and chalk, with a central strip of grass.
A similar plan was rejected in March 2019, citing: "The proposed development would result in an adverse impact on the landscape character of the area and would lead to the degradation of the special qualities of the South Downs National Park."
The landowner, Mary Jane Higgins, has applied for planning approval once again - And it is sent to go in front of the planning committee today.
The application said: "The- existing route is, in places, uneven and becomes muddy and difficult to use for some vehicles during the winter months and following heavy rainfall.
"This will provide a safer access to Crowlink Corner and will be solely for vehicles serving that dwelling."
Mark Wigglesworth, an orchestra conductor who lives in Crowlink, said: "The area under threat is one of the most famous parts of the English countryside, and the visual flagship of the South Downs National Park
"It is often used in films that want to show Britain’s un-spoilt landscape and justifiably illustrates the cover of Bill Bryson’s book about England.
"The visual impact of a formalised hard surface would be enormous.
"There are currently no tracks across the open fields that stretch down to the Seven Sisters cliffs and many of us are concerned that this unique characteristic is about to be ruined forever.
"The National Park’s goals are to 'conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area’. We feel that if it accepts its case officer’s recommendation, it will be reneging on its stated responsibilities."
The land the track would run on has been owned by the National Trust since 1928.
"If a world famous area of outstanding natural beauty on National Trust Land, supposedly protected by the South Downs’ National Park, is not safe, nothing is," Mr Wigglesworth added.
Angela Wigglesworth, Mark's mother from Lewes said: "It's sacrilege."
Andrew Shaw, a planning advisor for the National Trust commented on the application. He said: "In 1927, a right of access, at all times and for all purposes was granted to the then owner of Crowlink Corner across the field.
"The current application represents the minimum effective works required to develop a permanent fixed vehicle route across the land to facilitate the right of access, including emergency vehicles."
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Among those ojecting to the application is Conservative MP for Lewes, Maria Caulfield, who said: "I have been contacted by a number of local residents living in the vicinity to the proposed site of a two wheeled-track.
"The land in question is not only part of the South Downs National Park but is also part of the National Trust.
"The public, together with the Sussex Downsmen, in 1926 bought this land for the soul purpose of preserving it in perpetuity for the peaceful enjoyment of the public and the wildlife.
"This is not the applicant’s land and they have no more right to it than any other member of the public.
"I understand that the family and other visiting occupants of Crowlink Corner wish to have easier vehicular access to the property, but many of their supporting comments state that they have visited the site for decades and have managed to access the property without a track.
"The lack of a track has not deterred them from continuing to visit the property."
A spokesman for the South Downs National Park said: "This is a live planning application so we’re not able to comment."
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