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Natural England shows support for a 21st century South Downs National Park
5 December 2007
Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, will be heading to the Western Weald to meet campaigners and see vulnerable local landscapes that could face exclusion from a South Downs National Park if Natural England’s original boundary is not upheld.
Nearly a quarter of the original South Downs National Park, proposed by Natural England as worthy of designation, could be left unprotected if the a revised boundary is accepted by Government. Sir Martin’s visit aims to demonstrate Natural England’s strong support for a National Park that includes the Western Weald, before the public inquiry re-opens in February 2008.
Speaking ahead of his visit Sir Martin said: “We are calling on Government to approve a designation of the South Downs National Park which includes the rolling grassland and sandstone forests of the Western Weald.”
The grounds for excluding the Western Weald is based on of differing geology and is not consistent with already designated National Parks such as the Peak District and Lake District which contain more than one landscape character.”
Natural England believes the smaller boundary is the wrong decision and It is high time we awarded the South Downs the elite National Park status it deserves.”
Sir Martin will talk to the Chairman of Midhurst Town Council to find out what the people of Midhurst look for from a 21st century National Park and to hear why they think it is important to include the Western Weald. A photo call with Sir Martin will take place at 1.30pm and 3.15pm.
Those who have made representations in the recent consultation will be invited to voice their opinions at the re-opening of the public inquiry from 12 February and Natural England is encouraging supporters to speak up for the Western Weald.
A pre-inquiry meeting will take place on Tuesday 11 December when the Inspector will decide if any points raised during the recent consultation, in relation to the Western Weald, will be taken into account during the forthcoming re-opened public inquiry.