Have your say on the Eastbourne Downland Plan

People are being asked their views on a 25-year environmental plan for Eastbourne’s iconic downland.

Eastbourne Borough Council is launching an eight-week consultation following Cabinet’s approval on Wednesday 5th February of the draft Downland Whole Estate Plan.

The council has been working closely with the South Downs National Park Authority on the development of this plan over the last 18 months, which focuses on conservation and preservation of the downland for future generations.

Councillor Jonathan Dow, Cabinet member for Climate Change, said: “It is a marker of the huge importance we place on caring for our beautiful downland, now and in the future, that we are set to be the first council to adopt a Whole Estate Plan.”

The council’s downland sits within the South Downs National Park and consists of about 3,000 acres of farmed land as well as 1,000 acres of open access downland.

Details of possible future projects to support the downland are outlined in the plan, including a suggestion to set up a trust or similar organisation to prioritise schemes and take them forward.

The consultation runs from Sunday, February 9, until Sunday, April 5, on the council’s website at www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/DownlandWholeEstatePlan. Staff will also be manning a stall in The Beacon shopping centre on Saturday, February 15, to give information and answer any questions on the plan.

Councillor Dow added: “We value everyone’s views and want to hear from as many people as possible on this important plan. Please do come along and visit our stall to find out more.”

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