Downs Park 'disaster'

The council instead voted by 21 votes to nine to offer its strong support for the park.

But the Tory protests were vehement.

Cllr Keith Moorhouse questioned just how much alleged public support there was for the park.

He said 100,000 people within the park boundary, including those in Lewes, would find themselves with little control over decisions made by the National Park Authority.

Cllr Les Whittle said he wanted nothing to do with the proposals which would lead to more homes being built along the coast, outside of the park boundary.

'It will be an utter disaster to say yes to this,' he added. 'For the South Downs to be taken over, I shall shed tears.'

Cllr Julian Peterson said the Downs were already well managed. New visitor centres, car parks and toilets would not make things better.

But Cllr Michael Chartier said he was convinced that the overwhelming majority of people in Lewes were in favour of a National Park.

And Cllr David Neighbour said the Tories did not know better about the impact of a National Park than local people. Their attitude was beyond belief, he added.

Cllr Andrew Small said it was important that the council lent its firm support for the park.

l The council does have doubts about the intended administrative arrangements for the park and wants to be able to voice them at any public inquiry.