Planning in the South Downs National Park

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for all planning in the South Downs National Park.

East Sussex County Council provide most waste and minerals planning services on behalf of the SDNPA.

What does this mean?

We determine most waste and minerals planning applications submitted within the National Park and provide all the planning administration. However, the SDNPA determines most major applications, and retains overall policy control.

How do I find out if I live within the South Downs National Park?

To find out if your property, or application site is within the South Downs National Park, see South Downs National park website – Do I live in the National Park?

Where do I submit a planning application?

Even if you live within the National Park boundary you should continue to submit waste and minerals planning applications to us in the normal way. See Making a planning application.

For all other types of development, contact your local district or borough council.

What happens next?

If an application is deemed ‘significant' by the SDNPA then the application will be determined by the SDNPA. See the South Downs National Park website – Guidelines on ‘significance'.

For applications that are being decided by the SDNPA, see South Downs National Park website – View planning applications.

All communications about waste and minerals applications should be sent to us, not the SDNPA. Contact us about planning.