Given that the vast majority of the public welcome the South Downs National Park, it is unfortunate that National Park opponents are trotting out the same old red herrings about how terrible it will be, without any facts to back up their claims.

John Evans, of Business Link Sussex, says the planning rules and regulations are bad enough at the moment but with a national park authority (NPA) they will be a nightmare (Business, April 7). On what evidence is this based? In fact, having one planning framework for the whole of the South Downs, rather than the current 15, represents a big reduction in red tape. This should make it simpler for businesses to operate in the area.

In the same edition of The Argus Mike Roberts, of Ridgeview Winery, ex-presses concerns about the lack of business input into the discussions. I am sure an NPA would welcome business engagement but it has to be a two-way process, as with any relationship. Businesses cannot just expect to do what they like.

We are also told the area will be swamped by tourists, yet most visitors to the Downs are locals. Any increase in outside visitors is likely to have a small environmental impact yet could be beneficial economically. Good news at a time when many people are struggling financially.

I hope that in 20 or 30 years time, people will look back on this announcement and wonder what all the fuss was about. By then we should be able to see the benefits national park status will have brought.

To be able to pass the South Downs on to the next generation in a better state than we inherited them would be a legacy to be proud of.

Chris Todd campaign officer South Downs Campaign