The Nature of Change: Andrew Lee
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Transcript of The Nature of Change: Andrew Lee
Andrew Lee, Director of Strategy & Partnerships
Policy implications for the South Downs National Park
Nature of Change Conference
Britain’s newest National Park
• SDNPA went live on 1st April
• 27 members, c80 staff
• Third largest area, and 108,000 residents
• Eighth largest Planning Authority in UK
• Builds on Joint Committee but wider remit, fresh mandate and approach.
Agenda now a world away from 1985….
• Debate then just moving from species to sites to processes
• Vision for the Wildlife of Sussex: a trailblazer!
• Massive improvements in handling of data and evidence
• Landscape scale and ecosystem services now part of mainstream agenda, but…
• Huge challenge to implement in time of cuts and public sector reform
Policy landscape (and landscape policy…!)
• Some huge and welcome changes eg:National Ecosystem Assessment, Lawton ReviewGovt response in NEWP, Biodiversity Strategy
• Uncertainty in other areas eg:National Planning Policy FrameworkEU budget and Pillar II of the CAP
Other issues
• Localism Bill and Neighbourhood Planning
• Managing the stretch – avoid environmental movement being too far ahead of public opinion and politicians being too far behind
• Good that Ministers making links between biodiversity and wellbeing
?
Ecological Networks
Localism Bill
Neighbourhood Planning
National Environment White Paper
Biodiversity Strategy
National Planning Policy Framework
National Park – latecomer or opportunity?
• Agenda decades old, SDNPA new kid on block
• But designation of a National Park creates new opportunities to drive agenda eg)
• At least 45 Biodiversity Opportunity Areas in NP
Purpose 1
To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and
cultural heritage of the area.
Duty
To seek to foster the social and economic well-being of
local communities
Purpose 2
To promote opportunities
for the understanding and enjoyment of the
Special qualities of the Park by
the public.
Restoring ecological networks can support both NP Purposes and
Duty
Fit for Purpose
Making a difference
SDNPA brings to the table:
• Public mandate• Convening power• Some new money
• People on the ground• Planning powers
BUT – a much larger opportunity exists
National Park Management Plan(shared)
Use of Assets / Delivery of Services
Ecological Networks
Public/Private investment flows within or impacting
upon the National Park: (£100s millions?)
Purposes& Duty
Dialogue is essential
Powerful synergies exist between ecological restoration and wellbeing, these increase with scale
SDNPA engagement processes are involving many 100s of people right now - so vital this agenda features strongly in debate
State of the National Park Report
LDF Core Strategy
National Park Management Plan
Ongoing Engagement
Developing Evidence Base
Embedding this Approach in SDNP by 2014
Designation of a National Park
• 31 March 2010
• 10th to be designated in England
Thank you, and please continue the Conference debate on the South Downs online Forum at: www.southdowns.gov.uk/forum
[email protected] Director of Strategy & Partnerships
07795 287 538 or 01730 811774
South Downs National Park Authority, Hatton House, Bepton Road, Midhurst, West Sussex,
GU29 9LU