The South Downs stretch from East Sussex to Hampshire Click here to see a map of the proposed national park

The public inquiry into the proposed South Downs National Park has reopened after the Christmas break.

The plans cover 400,000 acres and stretch for 100 miles from Hampshire to Sussex.

Since it opened in November 2003 the inquiry has been hearing objections to the establishment of a National Park and objections to specific parts of the boundary.

In its second phase, councils, pressure groups and individuals will raise concerns over administration arrangements.

Objections so far have included concerns over increasing numbers of tourists and changes to planning rules.

Natural beauty

Supporters of the park proposal say it would address those concerns and local people will be involved in any decision-making.

The South Downs stretch for 100 miles from Eastbourne, in East Sussex, to Winchester, in Hampshire, and much of it is already designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty.

But campaigners for a national park say it would provide much better guarantees.

The inquiry is expected to last a year and even if the Government comes down in favour of a South Downs National Park, it is unlikely to come into being before 2006.

SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK PROPOSAL 73 miles of chalk hills extend across more than 400,000 acres Public inquiry into park proposal could take up to a year