Archived decisions

APPENDIX 1

SUSSEX DOWNS CONSERVATION BOARD

LETTER 6 December 2004

Dear Colleague,

Interim Arrangements for the Protection of the East Hampshire and Sussex Downs AONBs.

As you all know, the South Downs National Park Inquiry is now drawing to a close and the Inspector's report and Minister's decision is expected to emerge over the next 18 months. In the meantime, pending whatever decision is eventually reached on the proposed National Park, informal discussions have been taking place involving representatives of partner local authorities in the Sussex Downs and East Hampshire AONBs and the Countryside Agency, on proposals to establish an interim South Downs Joint Committee.

It is proposed that any interim Committee, set up under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972, would run from 1st April, 2005. The aim of the proposals would be to ensure every effort is made to enable any successor authority to make full use of the existing knowledge and "hit the ground running", whether it was a national park or a Downs wide Joint Committee or Board.

The proposals build on the existing close working relationship between the Sussex Downs Conservation Board and East Hampshire AONB Joint Advisory Committee. They would ensure that there is a positive agenda that builds and delivers action on conserving and enhancing the South Downs in the interim period before a successor authority is appointed.

There are significant challenges facing the South Downs in responding to national, regional and local issues. A South Downs wide Committee would be able to provide a stronger response to these, including the modernising rural delivery agenda set by Lord Haskins and the consequent Rural Strategy. It would also contribute a stronger voice to lobby for rural policies in protected areas in the context of the South East Plan. Existing joint working relationships, whilst valuable, require protracted negotiations to get a consensus. A Joint Committee involving all South Downs local authorities and nominees would enable officers to progress initiatives and build partnerships over the whole of the Downs more efficiently and effectively.

To: The Chief Executives of Local Authorities in the Sussex Downs and East Hampshire AONBs and the Countryside Agency

In order to ensure the involvement of a wide range of interests, it is proposed that the Joint Committee comprising elected members of the constituent authorities and nominees of the Countryside Agency, be complemented by a wider Advisory Forum. The Advisory Forum, on a Downs wide basis, will give access to a wide range of interested groups to support, influence and scrutinize the Committee's activities.

It is clear both from the informal discussions referred to above and from meetings of the SDCB and EHJAC that there is support, in principle, for the proposals and it is acknowledged that a Joint Committee, with the wider Forum support, would be well placed to build on the current work programme of the SDCB and JAC to effectively conserve and enhance the two AONBs.

The SDCB and the EHJAC have, accordingly, agreed to consult on a working draft agreement together with a revised development control scheme. The enclosed draft agreement has been agreed by the SDCB and includes tracked changes proposed by the EHJAC. Key issues and points for discussion are set out in an appendix to this letter. It has also been proposed that the South Downs Local Authority Officers Group be re-convened early in January to discuss key points of detail relating to the proposals and your Officers will be contacted shortly for this purpose.

We should be grateful if you would confirm whether the principle of the interim agreement is acceptable to your authority and would be pleased to receive any comments on the enclosed draft agreement. Please may we have a response by 31st January 2005. If the proposals are supported, this timeframe would enable comments to be included in a revised agreement to be discussed by the JAC and the SDCB and formally submitted to your authority for signature. The new interim Joint Committee and South Downs Advisory Forum would replace both the existing bodies.

We very much hope that your authority will support these proposals and look forward to receiving your comments.

Yours sincerely,

Sir James Scott Lord Renton of Mount Harry,

Chairman, Chairman,

East Hampshire AONB JAC Sussex Downs Conservation Board

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