Town Planning Consultants in the South Downs National Park
Our experience and expertise
At DJM Town Planning, we provide expert planning consultancy services across the South Downs National Park...
- securing development that our clients need whilst meeting the high standards of landscape and heritage protection that preserve the Park for future generations.
From rural enterprises and leisure facilities to private homes and heritage sites, we help clients navigate the additional planning challenges that come with development in a nationally protected landscape.
Debbie Marriage BSc (Hons) MA MRTPI
Debbie Marriage MRTPI, Director of DJM Town Planning, began her career at Brighton and Hove City Council in 1996 and has lived locally since 2002. Her long-standing connection with the city gives her a unique understanding of its planning policies, heritage sensitivities, and the balance between preservation and progress.
Planning in the South Downs National Park
Formed in 2010, the South Downs National Park covers an area of 620 square miles across fifteen local authority areas. Its sweeping landscapes, chalk downland , wooded valleys and beautifully preserved historic villages make it one of the most visited and cherished National Parks in the England.
Securing planning permission in the South Downs National Park presents its own unique set of challenges. The South Downs Local Plan places a high priority on conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area. We work with architects, landscape architects, ecologists and historic buildings consultants to create designs that are sensitive to context and reflect the required landscape-led approach.
DJM Town Planning has extensive experience preparing and managing applications within the National Park, securing planning permission for a wide range of projects including:
- New and extended holiday accommodation
- House extensions and annexe accommodation for staff
- Conversion of an historic building
- New workshop adjacent to a Grade I listed church
- Golf club developments, including new facilities
- Stable block extensions and equestrian improvements
- Forestry barn for a willow plantation
Our experience shows that with the right preparation and understanding of local sensitivities, high-quality and sustainable development can be achieved within the Park.
Our Services
We offer a full range of planning consultancy services tailored to the South Downs National Park:
- Pre-application enquiries – engaging with the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) early to align your proposal with key policies.
- Planning applications – preparing detailed documentation, coordinating technical specialists, and managing discussions with officers and consultees.
- Appeals and enforcement – representing clients where applications have been refused or enforcement action is under way.
- Rural development advice – supporting diversification projects, agricultural and equestrian proposals, and tourism uses.
Recent South Downs Projects
- Two golf clubs – Planning permissions for new and upgraded club facilities.
- Building conversion and new workshop – Conversion of an historic building to a dwelling and new workshop adjacent to a Grade I listed church and in a village Conservation Area, designed to respect historic and visual setting.
- Stable block extension – Expansion of equestrian facilities.
- Forestry barn – Agricultural development for a cricket bat willow plantation.
- Annexe for restaurant staff – Providing on-site accommodation to support a local business.
Each of these schemes demonstrates our ability to deliver sensitive, policy-compliant development in a protected landscape.
Need Planning Advice in the South Downs National Park?
If you’re planning development within the National Park - whether residential, commercial, leisure, or agricultural - expert local advice can make all the difference.
Contact DJM Town Planning for practical, professional guidance on achieving planning permission in the South Downs National Park.