A special meeting of East Hampshire District Council's environmental panel is to be held next week to discuss the implications of the new South Downs National Park for the council – and whether it should object to the proposed inclusion of Alice Holt forest within the park boundary.
The forest was originally going to be left out of the park.
But proposals announced by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn earlier this year – following a personal visit to the forest – have included it.
If his proposals get final approval, the f
orest will join the western weald area, including Petersfield, Liss and Woolmer Forest, within the SDNP.
But the inclusion of Alice Holt could face opposition from EHDC, which will hold a meeting on Thursday, July 9 – four days before the deadline for comments.
Head of Planning Daryl Phillips is recommending the council to lodge an objection to the addition of the forest – a move which could lead to a further inquiry.
Mr Phillips is also recommending the council to call for an early meeting with the interim chief executive of the national park authority, and for briefing meetings with local MPs.
Topics raised in a report by Mr Phillips include the possible financial implications of the national park for the council; the impact of a new authority on the planning system; and the likelihood that some council staff will be transferred to the national park authority.
On the issue of Alice Holt, the report states: "When considering the iniitial boundaries to be included within the 2002 designation order, the Countryside Commission (now Natural England) took the view that Alice Holt Forest should not be included.
"This was because it considered that Alice Holt had weak links to the South Downs, and because not all of its area met the relevant criteria for inclusion within a national park.
"In the initial 2004 public inquiry the inspector agreed with the Countryside Commission's assessment.
"The Secretary of State, however, disagrees with that assessment and considers that Alice Holt is worthy of inclusion in the SDNP on the basis that he believes that its natural beauty meets the statutory test."
EHDC planning officers say in a report: "Whilst Alice Holt undoubtedly offers good recreational opportunities, these do not relate to the wider Downs.
"There is also little physical relationship with the wider Downs in terms or links or landscape."
But an independent website set up by supporters of Alice Holt Forest disagrees.
