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

The 73 miles (118km) of rolling chalk hills extend across more than 400,000 acres from Eastbourne in East Sussex to Winchester in Hampshire.

Attempts have been made for more than 100 years to obtain national park status to protect the area.

The inquiry, in Worthing, West Sussex, could last up to a year, costing the tax payer at least �800 a day.

If approved, national park status will give the area the same protection as places like the Peak District and the Lake District, and could be in place by 2006.

Concerns over status

The park has the backing of the Countryside Agency, which has undertaken a series of consultations with the public and local authorities.

It is supported by conservation groups, and argues it is the best way of guaranteeing that the beauty of the South Downs is preserved and protected from inappropriate development.

The scheme also has its objectors, which include several local councils and landowning and farming groups.

Councillors fear they will see their power over local planning matters transferred to a South Downs Park Authority, while farmers also fear increased restrictions.

Among those who have previously voiced concerns over the granting of national park status are local authorities which fear it would attract a higher number of visitors to the area, causing traffic problems.

Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club has also urged its fans to object to the boundaries because they run too close to the site of the club's planned new stadium at Falmer.

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