South Downs Management Plan
This section of the website contains information on the South Downs Management Plan, South Downs Planning Guidelines and related documents.
Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW) 2000, it is a statutory requirement for all Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to have a Management Plan. More importantly however, if the South Downs landscape is to be conserved and enhanced in the long term, whilst meeting the needs of society for access and recreation along with the needs of its local communities, then we must have a clear understanding of the issues along with clear policies and actions. These issues are addressed in the Management Plan for the South Downs; a plan which has been prepared by the South Downs Joint Committee on behalf of a range of local and central government agencies and everyone who has a passion for the South Downs.
The South Downs Management Plan seeks to provide a common statement of public policy for the area as a protected landscape and, as such, a framework for action by a range of local and national public bodies over the next five years. The Plan was adopted by the Joint Committee on the 19th October 2007 following public consultation which ran from 22nd June to the 31st October 2006. The analysis of the responses received can be viewed on the consultation update page. If you have any queries or comments about the Management Plan please go to our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us.
Below is a diagram showing the Management Plan process and the documents which have informed and support the Adopted Management Plan. Clicking on the relevant box on the diagram takes you to more information about each document where you can also access a pdf download.
