Most farmers are not happy with proposals for a National Park in the South Downs, according to their union.

This claim will be made by National Farmers Union (NFU) South-East regional director Shaun Leavey when he addresses the public inquiry into the plans on Thursday.

More than 75 per cent of land within the proposed Park is farmed and Mr Leavey will ask for farmers to be adequately represented if a National Park authority is to become reality.

The NFU believes the creation of a Park authority will lead to more bureaucracy and could divert money away from tailor-made schemes to help farmers enhance the Downs for wildlife.

Mr Leavey will point out that the newly reformed Common Agricultural Policy provides scope to develop a well-funded Green farming scheme for sensitive landscapes.

He said: "National Park designation will not deliver the expected benefits to the farming community, the landscape or biodiversity.

"A Park authority will swallow up public funds that could be better targeted at those actually farming the Downs."

Mr Leavey will also tell the inquiry that farmers have overwhelmingly said "No" to a National Park. They fear the impact of increased visitors.

There are already about 39 million visits made to the Downs each year.

While supporters believe a National Park will provide visitors with better access, the NFU's farming members say the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 already gives people greater access rights than ever.

Tuesday December 09, 2003