Category: SDNPA

South Downs National Park Authority – Local Plan

Have your say on vital placemaking plan

The South Downs National Park Authority has published the South Downs Local Plan (Proposed Submission) for Regulation 19 (Publication) consultation.

This is the final consultation stage before the plan is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by a Planning Inspector.  This consultation stage differs from previous consultations on the new Local Plan, as the Planning Inspector will be interested in comments related to the Local Plan’s soundness and legal compliance.  

Consultation period: 12th May to 23rd June 2026 (closing at 23:59)

Documents published:

  • The South Downs Local Plan – Proposed Submission (Regulation 19) May 2026
  • The Policies Map
  • Supporting evidence (including Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment) and background documents

View the consultation documents on our website

Hard copies of the documents are available for inspection at our principal offices during opening hours:

Alternatively, the documents can be viewed at the following libraries during their opening hours:

  • Bishops Waltham Library, Free Street, Bishops Waltham, Hampshire, SO32 1EE
  • Findon Valley Library, Lime Tree Avenue, Findon  Valley, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 0DH
  • Hassocks Library, 9 Ewart Close, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 8FJ
  • Lancing Library, Penstone Park, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9DL
  • Lewes Library, Styles Field, Friars Walk, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2LZ
  • Liphook Library, London Road, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7AN
  • Midhurst Library, The Grange, Bepton Road, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9HD
  • Petersfield Library, 27 The Square, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3HH
  • Petworth Library, High Street, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0AU
  • Steyning Library, Church Street, Steyning, West Sussex, BN44 3YB

If you are having trouble accessing the documents, or if you require the consultation documents in an alternative format, please contact the Planning Policy Team via email at planningpolicy@southdowns.gov.uk

Making representations – During this stage, comments should focus on:

  • Whether the Local Plan meets the legal requirements; and
  • Whether it is sound (positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national policy).

Representations must be submitted by Tuesday 23 June at 23:59 and cannot normally be accepted after this date.

Publicity – If you are able, please help promote the consultation by sharing this poster

How to comment – We strongly encourage all representations to be made online using our consultation portal: https://southdowns-consult.objective.co.uk

Have you say on the consultation portal

Submitting comments online is the quickest and most efficient way to make a representation and helps us to process all representations promptly and effectively.

If you are unable to comment online, representations may alternatively be submitted using the Representation Questionnaire, and returned:

Further details on how to comment, and what matters can be raised at this stage, and how representations will be handled are set out in our Guidance Note on Making a Representation, and Statement of Representations Procedure.

What happens next – Following the close of consultation, the Local Plan and all duly made representations will be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by a Planning Inspector.

Data protection – Representations will be made publicly available as part of the examination process. For information on how we handle personal data, please see the website for our privacy notice.

Further information – Join a drop‑in event or online session to learn about the consultation and how to comment.

Drop‑in events:

Lewes Depot, Pinwell Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2JS
Wednesday 20 May 4–7pm

Petersfield Festival Hall, Heath Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 4EA
Thursday 21 May  4–7pm

Online appointments (pre‑booking required) via the Eventbrite website

5‑minute slots available:
• from 12:00 on 3 June
• from 17:00 on 4 June

You can also view our Frequently Asked Questions on our website.   

If you have any questions about the consultation, please contact the Planning Policy Team at planningpolicy@southdowns.gov.uk or by telephone at 01730 814810.

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) Partnership Management Plan for the Future

There are many people who play a role in looking after the National Park. The Partnership Management Plan (PMP)  is a key document that sets out the priorities for the South Downs National Park for the next five years and how we will work together to achieve this shared vision.

The world is facing both climate and nature crises at a time when people have never needed access to green space more. The South Downs National Park is already being impacted and needs an ambitious vision for the next five years to meet these crises and to deliver for nature, climate, people and place. This is your National Park, and we need your input to decide what the shared priorities for the next five years should be. Over the coming months there will be different opportunities to get involved.

Resources for Change are working with the SDNPA to ensure we hear from as many voices as possible but to do that we really need your support. We think that your views around what the National Park does next are critical and so please do sign up or encourage others to do the same and help create a plan for the future that works for nature and for everyone.

Please see the table of upcoming events below and a link to the SDNPA website were you can complete a short survey.

Phase 2: Priority outcomes and action planning – Everyone is welcome to attend events listed below.

DateTimeVenue
Wednesday 5th March 
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE		7pm – 9pmONLINE
Thursday 6th March
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE		10am – 3pmStroud Village Hall
Monday 10th March
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE		10am – 3pmPulborough Village Hall
Tuesday 11th March
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE		7pm – 9pmONLINE
Wednesday 12th March
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE		7pm – 9pmONLINE
Friday 14th March
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE		10am – 3pmLinklater Pavilion, Lewes

Together for Nature, Climate and People – South Downs National Park Authority