Archived decisions

Contact: Tim Greenwood, ext 6800

1. Summary

1.1 In late November 2001 the Countryside Agency published the document `A South Downs National Park: Consultation Report'. The consultation report is in two parts:

(i) Part A - Administrative Arrangements; and

(ii) Part B - Draft Boundary for a South Downs National Park.

The closing date for the consultation is 28 February 2002.

1.2 Both the Environment Policy Review Committee and the Recreation and Heritage Policy Review Committee have considered the consultative report. A copy of the report considered by the Environment Policy Review Committee is attached. This summarises the consultation document and comments on issues raised.

1.3 During the debate the view was expressed that a national park would only give added value if there were substantial additional resources and this seemed unlikely. On development control the Committee concluded that in the interests of democratic accountability, and bearing in mind the extent of the proposed national park, a solution which enabled all decisions to be taken by existing local authorities would be preferable. On the boundary, and in response to a Member's proposal that Rowlands Castle be included in the proposed National Park, the County Planning Officer advised against the village and other suggested additions being included but he recommended a small addition at Cadlington House and that further thought be given to the boundary in Southleigh Forest. The Resolution of the Committee on all these matters is encompassed in the proposed decision in paragraph 1.4. The Recreation and Heritage Policy Review Committee considered the implications of the Consultation Report for the Council's countryside sites and rights of way management. The Committee's recommendation is included in the proposed following decision.

1.4 The following decision is sought:

That the Countryside Agency be informed that:

1. General

Designation of the South Downs as a National Park would reconfirm the landscape importance already recognised through the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty designations and emphasise the countryside recreation opportunities, but the real test of the proposed designation must be `does it add value to what is already being achieved and could be achieved by existing agencies?'. The answer to this question depends on the extent to which additional resources are made available for the conservation and management of the area. In the absence of any guarantees about future resources for a proposed South Downs National Park Authority, then there is no certainty about `added value'.

2. Issue 1 (Membership)

(i) The County Council is concerned at the lack of direct democratic accountability associated with National Park Authorities.

(ii) In the absence of special arrangements to address the lack of democratic accountability, the Countryside Agency's preferred option for a National Park Authority of 46 members be supported.

(iii) The appointment of County Council seats on the National Park Authority should be based upon the geographical area and population of each County Council within the National Park.

3. Issue 2 (Forward Planning and Development Control)

(i) Structure Plan: the Countryside Agency's preferred option (a) for three joint Structure Plans be supported.

(ii) Minerals and Waste Local Plan: the Countryside Agency's preferred option (a) for minerals and waste local plans to be prepared jointly with existing authorities in each county be supported. In view of the likely impact of National Park designation on the sand and gravel supply for the south-east, consideration should be given to a change in national policy on sand and gravel extraction in the National Park to enable it to be permitted where it would result in environmental benefits that accord with National Park objectives.

(iii) Local Plan: the Countryside Agency's option (c) for a series of 12 Local Plans be supported, with the addition of a recommendation for a specific chapter in each local plan addressing the National Park.

(iv) Development Control: in the interests of democratic accountability, all development control decisions should be made by existing local authorities.

4. Issue 3 (A Role in Land Management)

(i) Land management generally: the role of the management plan and its relationship to national, regional and park-wide issues be defined by the Countryside Agency.

(ii) Farming and forestry; nature conservation; cultural heritage: the Agency's approach be supported.

5. Issue 4 (A Role in Visitor Management)

(i) A countryside management service: the creation of a countryside management service be supported, but only if it adds to the existing provision of such services.

(ii) The transfer of ownership and management of County Council country parks and other recreational sites to the National Park Authority should only take place where there is a demonstrable need.

(iii) Access and rights of way: the Agency's preferred option (a) be rejected. The legal responsibility for rights of way should remain with the County Council, managed in partnership with the National Park Authority.

(iv) Transport: the proposal for the active involvement of the National Park Authority in the preparation of the Local Transport Plan be supported. The proposal that the National Park Authority should deliver and implement parts of the transport strategy covered by the park area through the delegation of powers, resources and funding be rejected.

(v) Tourism: the National Park Authority should take an active role in the promotion of the park to visitors in partnership with the local authorities and tourist boards.

6. Issue 5 (A National Park Management Plan)

(i) The National Park Management Plan is the umbrella document which embodies the vision and policies for the National Park and its importance should be reflected more strongly.

7. Issue 6 (Working in Partnership)

(i) The Countryside Agency's approach be supported.

8. Issue 7 (Involving Local People)

(i) The Countryside Agency's approach be supported.

9. Draft Boundary

The draft boundary of the South Downs National Park as proposed by the Countryside Agency be supported, with the exception of the areas referred to in paragraphs 4.8 and 4.20 of the County Planning Officer's report to the Environment Policy Review Committee on 23 January 2002, together with the addition of Cadlington House, Blendworth Lodge and associated park/grounds and a reassessment of the boundary through Southleigh Forest.

2. Reason

2.1 To safeguard the County Council's involvement in the proposed South Downs National Park, to ensure equitable democratic representation of the people of Hampshire on the National Park Authority and to promote the appropriate management of the South Downs.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Discussed in reports to the Environment Policy Review Committee of 23 January 2002 and the Recreation and Heritage Committee of 17 January 2002.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - Not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: .................................. Date: ....................................

Councillor T K Thornber

7002/TG