Brighton council plans to protect city’s downland for next 100 years

The city downland estate plan, which has been drawn up by Brighton and Hove City council, sets out the policy and aims to manage the city’s downland estate.

The plan was drawn up after “one of the most extensive consultations” ever carried out by the council.

Over the past two years, council officers have worked with residents, farmers and community group representatives from the city to create the plan.

More than 500 people attended webinars and discussion groups and over 30,000 comments and ideas were put forward.

Councillor Hugh-Jones said she is delighted with the plans (Image: Brighton and Hove City Council)

Councillor Siriol Hugh-Jones, chair of the asset management board, said:  “I am delighted that, after two challenging years of hard work and widespread consultation, we have completed our city downland estate plan.

“It’s encouraging that so many people and organisations from all over the city have played a part in creating the plan.”

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The council’s downland estate consists of around 12,500 acres and is mostly situated within the South Downs National Park.

It was initially acquired by the council around 100 years ago, with the aim of protecting the city’s water supply and controlling development.

The plan includes opening up more land to the public and creating new amenities, meaning it will be easier for the public to visit and enjoy the estate.

The Bevendean Estate in the South Downs (Image: Voice of Hassocks)

All council owned land within the South Downs National Park, the agricultural estate, parks and land used for leisure, sport and recreation is covered by the new plan.

It aims to link the downland to the council’s carbon neutral and climate change agenda.

The plan includes short, medium and long-term actions with a focus on implementation over the next 10 years.

Key objectives include improving accessibility, reversing the loss of biodiversity and working towards and beyond carbon net zero. 

Councillors from the policy and resources committee are being asked to approve the plan at a meeting on December 1.

If agreed, members of the South Downs National Park will be invited to endorse the final document as a whole estate plan.