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The government has clarified the precise boundaries of the new South Downs National Park - which will almost entirely surround the University of Sussex campus - and confirmed the date when it will be established.

The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, announced on 12 November that the National Park will come into being on 31 March 2010.

Designation as a National Park (first announced on 31 March) is a formal recognition of the South Downs' special qualities in terms of natural beauty and opportunities for open-air recreation. It means that the 632 square-mile area will have the highest level of protection under the planning system.

Mr Benn also revealed on 12 November that the intention is for the South Downs National Park Authority to be formally created on 1 April 2010 and to become operational (taking on its full range of statutory powers, functions and responsibilities) from 1 April 2011.

The Authority will be a new partner for Sussex as it continues to meet the needs of a growing institution, in harmony with the local landscape.

Aside from helping to preserve the surrounding countryside, designated the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) until 31 March 2010, the operation and development of the University should not be altered by this new designation.

The reason for this is that the development of the University is already tacitly agreed, with appropriate planning permissions reflecting the remarkable surrounding environment and with sensitivity, using the palette of natural materials of brick, concrete, glass and copper set out by the founding Sussex architect, Sir Basil Spence.

The overarching Campus Development Plan, which was first developed in 2004 and provides the framework for all future development at Sussex, has been a key part of the University's successful approach with the statutory authorities.

Local councils and conservation bodies have strongly endorsed the approach taken by Sussex, which means developing buildings on the campus fits within an approved planning framework.