1 Contents: Page Introduction 3 National Park Framework 5 National Planning Policy and Guidance Context 8 Methodology 11 Appendix 1: Scoring Matrix 14 Appendix 2: Settlement Scores 17 2 INTRODUCTION 1. The South Downs National Park Authority became the planning authority for the newly created South Downs National Park (SDNP) in April 2011. The responsibility for planning for the area of the SDNP was previously covered by 12 different local planning authorities. The South Downs National Park Local Plan will be the first time that the area of this National Park will be planned for as a single entity. 2. This Settlement Hierarchy Study forms part of the evidence base for the South Downs National Park Authority Local Plan. Its purpose is to identify the current role and function of settlements based on the number and type of facilities and services they provide, to inform the spatial strategy of the Local Plan. It will also provide the background to allocating non-strategic sites. Area Profile of the South Downs 3. The South Downs National Park (SDNP) has been recognised as a nationally important and diverse area with outstanding natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. 4. The SDNP covers 1624 km2, and has a population of 112,343 people, spread between 181 parishes and 332 separate settlements. Spanning a breadth of 160 kilometres, the landscape of the South Downs encompasses over 20 kilometres of heritage coast, nature reserves, historic monuments, visitor attractions, listed buildings and conservation areas. 5. The South Downs area bears evidence of human habitation over thousands of years. It is a landscape shaped by people and engrained with their history and culture, evident in the thousands of archaeological monuments, parks and gardens, historic houses, market towns and villages, as well as artefacts and works of art held in country houses and museums located throughout the South Downs. 6. The settlements of the South Downs National Park have developed within the downland landscape and their location and size have grown from the landscape and the way its inhabitants have shaped it. From the course of a river to the crossing of roadways, to the location of a railway station on a newly developed line, many factors have shaped how the downs and the settlements within them have developed, and will continue to develop. 7. It is important not to look at the South Downs and their communities in isolation and to keep in mind the outside influences such as the ecclesiastical cities of Winchester and Chichester, the proximity of the south coast and the ports and resorts on it and the significant influence of London to the north, in shaping how the down land has developed. 3 8. Internal and external pressures continue to influence change within the South Downs, with pressures to develop the area greater than ever. The new South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is now responsible for shaping how this happens. This settlement hierarchy study will be one of the tools which will help the SDNPA achieve its goals. Settlements Pattern and Characteristics of the South Downs 9. The settlements of the South Downs are mainly rural communities which have grown and developed within the landscape of the downland. The growth of the settlements of the South Downs and their position in the landscape has developed over centuries. This has resulted in variations in settlement pattern across the South Downs National Park (SDNP) area as the landscape changes, reflecting the underlying geology and landscape practices. 10. Prior to the 19th century the settlement pattern of the South Downs was largely developed around rural farming practices. With the industrial revolution and the growth of cities such as London, Portsmouth, and Brighton transport began to play a much greater role, with first the coaching roads, and then the railways and finally the major expansion of a number of the „A‟ roads significantly increasing access to and through the Downs. 11. The market towns of Petersfield and Midhurst grew substantially from their historic cores in the early 20th century due largely to the railways. The County town of Lewes also expanded and settlements, such as Liss, developed as almost completely new settlements around railway stations where previously there had been no settlement of any size. 12. With the coming of the planning regime in 1947 following the Second World War the suburban growth of the early 20th century, necessitated the need for planned development. The Local Planning Authorities, first Town Council and then District and County Councils, worked to shape the development of their areas through planning policies. The protection of the countryside for its own sake, and sustainable development practices further concentrated development within the larger settlements leaving a large number of villages with only small- scale infill and conversion developments. 4 NATIONAL PARK FRAMEWORK The South Downs National Park Purposes and Duty 13. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 enabled the creation of National Parks and sets out the statutory Purposes of all National Parks. The Environment Act 1995 adds to these purposes a duty for all National Parks. The Purposes and Duty are as follows: Purpose 1 To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area; Purpose 2 To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area; Duty In pursuing the two purposes above, the authority shall seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park. 14. In order to fulfil these Purposes and Duty, the South Downs National Park Authority has undertaken considerable research and consultation to establish the special qualities of this National Park, to assess the wellbeing of the National Park, its landscapes, habitats, species and cultural heritage and to develop a Management Plan which will guide the conservation and enhancement of the National Park going forward. The Vision of the South Downs National Park 15. By 2050 in the South Downs National Park: the iconic English lowland landscapes and heritage will have been conserved and greatly enhanced. These inspirational and distinctive places, where people live, work, farm and relax, are adapting well to the impacts of climate change and other pressures; people will understand, value, and look after the vital natural services that the National Park provides. Large areas of high-quality and well-managed habitat will form a network supporting wildlife throughout the landscape; opportunities will exist for everyone to discover, enjoy, understand and value the National Park and its special qualities. The relationship between people and landscape will enhance their lives and inspire them to become actively involved in caring for it and using its resources more responsibly; its special qualities will underpin the economic and social well-being of the communities in and around it, which will be more self-sustaining and empowered to shape their own future. Its villages and market towns will be thriving centres for residents, visitors and businesses and supporting the wider rural community; 5 successful farming, forestry, tourism and other business activities within the National Park will actively contribute to, and derive economic benefit from, its unique identity and special qualities. The Special Qualities of the South Downs National Park 16. No two National Parks are the same and the Government looks to individual National Park Authorities to identify the special qualities of their area. 17. After extensive engagement with over 1500 people through shows and events, workshops and an online survey, the following seven Special Qualities were agreed by the South Downs National Park Authority and these reflect both the technical evidence available and the thoughts and opinions of the National Park‟s many stakeholders: Diverse, inspirational landscapes and breathtaking views; A rich variety of wildlife and habitats including rare and internationally important species; Tranquil and unspoilt places; An environment shaped by centuries of farming and embracing new enterprise; Great opportunities for recreational activities and learning experiences; Well-conserved historical features and a rich cultural heritage; Distinctive towns and villages, and communities with real pride in their area. The State of the South Downs National Park Report 18. The first State of the South Downs National Park report provides a snapshot of the current state of the National Park. It provides a baseline of information, against which progress can be measured. The key data within the report aims to assess the condition of the SDNP today, particularly the elements of the SDNP which relate to the special and distinctive qualities identified above. 19. This data provides an important starting point for setting out the priorities for conserving and enhancing the National Park, which the National Park Management Plan will build on. The South Downs National Park Management Plan 20. The South Downs National Park Management Plan is the most important strategic document for the National Park and will guide policies and actions supporting the delivery of the Vision to 2050. It sets out to align with national policies and other related plans to help deliver the vision. 21. The central role of the Plan is to guide and co-ordinate the work of all those with an interest in the Park, in delivering the National Park purposes and duty. This includes organisations with statutory responsibilities, land management interests, businesses, local communities and user groups. 6 22. As with other Management Plans, the plan for the South Downs National Park is a strategic document which sets out the overall Vision and approach for the area, and attempts to tackle some of the major issues that affect the Park now, or are likely to influence it in the future. 23. It is a plan for the National Park as a place and a community, and not just for the National Park Authority or any particular organisation.