Natural England

After a long delay due to a number of legal complications, Defra has made public the final report from the South Downs National Park public inquiry.

The inquiry inspector agreed the principle of a South Downs National Park but recommended a number of changes to the boundary proposed by the Countryside Agency in its original designation order. Maps showing the recommended boundary modifications are now available.

As well as a variety of minor changes (both additions and deletions), the inspector has recommended a major variation removing over 300 Km2 of land from the northern boundary of the proposed National Park between Petersfield and Pulborough.

Interested parties are now being invited to comment on the boundary in the light of the inspector's recommendations and taking into account the changed legal background for National Park designation. Information on the legal changes, as well as details of how to make objections and representations, can be found on the Defra website. Objections and representations must be made in writing, and be with Defra by Monday 13 August 2007.

Natural England has provided a statement of the impact of these changes on the South Downs boundary and this, along with the inspectors's report with its accompanying maps, is now available for inspection by members of the public at our Portland House office in London. The documents can also be viewed at various local authority offices in and around the South Downs, and on the Defra website.