Planning policy guidelines

We seek to ensure a robust planning policy framework and comment on planning applications both within and adjacent to the Park that have the potential to affect its special qualities to conserve and enhance the South Downs National Park.

Planning System

We engage with consultations on national and local planning policy documents e.g. the National Planning Policy Framework and the South Downs Local Plan, making representations to ensure a robust policy framework to protect the Downs. We monitor all planning activity across the National Park, through a network of volunteer District Officers (DOs). We comment on those planning applications identified by the DOs as potentially affecting the special qualities of the Park or as being of significance for its local communities.

More to explore

Children & Young People

The Friends are investing heavily in helping children to get to know and appreciate the Downs.

Planning

Our planning policy guidelines provide the basis of our campaign and help us respond to new developments and planning applications.

Access

Work we are undertaking to encourage as many people as possible to access the Downs.

Conservation

Wildlife has been depleted on the South Downs. The Friends share the view that we should do what we can to help nature recover.