When we developed the City Downland Estate Plan we encouraged lots of creative thinking and listened to a wide range of views. We wanted to know what your vision for the City Downland Estate might be.
We also needed to consider the practicality of these visions. These were, and remain, our key considerations:
South Downs National Park Authority
The vast majority of the City Downland Estate falls within the South Downs National Park. The policies of the National Park Authority, for example their Management Plan and Planning Policy, may have a bearing on what we can deliver.
Physical characteristics
The City Downland Estate has its own inherent and unique physical characteristics such as:
- landscape
- geology and soil types
- protected habitats, heritage and archeological designations
- water
We need to work with these characteristics, and towards the long-term sustainability and betterment of them.
Financial
The vision for the City Downland Estate needs to be financially viable. We need to meet day to day running costs and consider how best to fund future investments and initiatives.
Leases and commercial agreements
We will respect the terms and conditions of our existing contractual commitments. We recognise that any discussions around the possible amendment of lease or contractual terms would be on an entirely voluntary and confidential basis.
Council objectives and policy
The vision and policies for City Downland Estate need to be broadly consistent with the wider objectives and policies of the council. For example, the 2030 Carbon Neutral Target.