The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) published the South Downs Local Availability Assessment (LAA) on 09 December 2025. The LAA is an essential part of the evidence base for the South Downs Local Plan Review which is anticipated for public consultation in May 2026 prior to submission for examination later that year.

The LAA has assessed the suitability, availability and achievability of identified sites across the South Downs National Park. The LAA does not determine whether a site should be allocated for future development. Instead, the role of the LAA is to provide information on a range of sites to help identify sites for further consideration in the South Downs Local Plan Review. Subject to further technical work, it is then for the South Downs Local Plan Review – or any future Neighbourhood Development Plans – to determine which sites should be allocated for future development.

The LAA - and its appendices and an interactive map – is available on the SDNPA’s website here:

https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning-policy/the-south-downs-local-plan-review/evidence-base/homes-and-economy/land-availability-assessment/

Further information is available in the press release issued earlier today:

https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/vital-step-forward-in-placemaking-review-for-national-park/