This comes after the results of an opinion poll yesterday (Monday) revealed the majority of people were against the council selling the freehold of 3,000 acres of South Downs land. Margaret Paren, chair of South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA), said, “We believe that this is a good decision for the farmers, for the environment, for the people of Eastbourne and for the National Park. “SDNPA will seek to work in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council, with the existing farmers and other stakeholders to improve Eastbourne’s gateway to the National Park and to create an internationally respected exemplar of chalk grassland restoration.” Meanwhile, SDNPA chief executive Trevor Beattie, who has been outspoken in his arguments against the sale, tweeted, “This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this precious downland.”