South Downs Virtual Information Centre - Frequently Asked Questions

The Sussex Downs Conservation Board works in partnership with partner organisations to ensure that the qualities that make the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) special and distinctive are valued in any decision-making which may affect its character. Together with the East Hampshire Joint Advisory Committee, the Board aims to protect the whole of the South Downs.

Established in 1992, as a national experiment for an initial period of six years, the Sussex Downs Conservation Board has proved to be successful in carrying out its stated aims and objectives. As a result of this success the Board has continued under an interim agreement with the local authorities and the Government's Countryside Agency. A Management Plan for the Sussex Downs AONB was produced in 1996, followed by a Landscape Assessment and other strategic documents. The Board is currently working to produce a joint South Downs Management Plan with East Hampshire AONB.

The Sussex Downs Conservation Board's aims are:

to protect, conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Sussex Downs AONB;

to encourage peoples quiet enjoyment of the Downs;

to promote sustainable economic and social development.

The Sussex Downs Conservation Board:

Identifies, conserves and enhances the distinctive beauty, wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage of the AONB.

Prepares, promotes and implements a management strategy, in partnership with others, which outlines policies and actions for the AONB.

Gives a voice to the AONB.

Considers the long-term future of the AONB.

Comments on planning applications in the countryside of the AONB.

Comments on policies in new Structure and Local Plans.

Gives evidence in important planning inquiries to defend the AONB.

Gives advice and undertakes a wide range of practical work across the AONB.

Targets and co-ordinates grants and financial assistance from various agencies.

Maintains facilities for public recreation and access, including the South Downs Way and the Public Rights of Way network.

Provides information/interpretation and attends events that encourage an understanding and appreciation of the AONB.
Works with farmers and landowners.

Supports local community and education projects.

Manages a Heathland, Dutch Elm Disease, Rother Valley, and an Ouse Valley Project.

The Board is not 'just one more countryside organisation'. Our special role is to bring together and develop the various countryside services across the Sussex Downs AONB so that challenges can be met in a co-ordinated way. By pooling resources, we avoid duplication and have developed a unified strategy for effectively tackling issues such as the provision of visitor information. The Board also has a significant input into the planning functions of the local authorities in the area by commenting on planning applications and draft development plans, as well as producing, in partnership with the East Hampshire Joint Advisory Committee, Planning Guidelines for the South Downs.