Campaigners say a stunning countryside region is under threat from a new template for development.
The South Downs Campaign has complained that the South East Plan could cause lasting damage.
The campaign, set up to protect the interests of the Downs in Sussex, said that proposals for large-scale development threaten the landscape.
The South Downs is an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is expected to be declared a National Park later this year.
Robin Crane, chairman of the South Downs Campaign, said: "Apart from some worthy over-arching policies at the beginning, the South East Plan is very worrying.
"The emphasis on building houses and roads is threatening the very special qualities we cherish in the region.
"We strongly object to the watering down of national protection for landscapes such as the South Downs. Once built upon there is no turning back and they will be lost forever. Rather than improving our quality of life, this plan threatens it."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article