One of the biggest concerns raised at the Planning Inquiry over the past couple of weeks is whether the Highsted Park development is financially viable โ and what happens if it isnโt.
๐งฎ The developers claim their numbers stack up. They say even if profit margins are tight, large private firms often proceed based on long-term gain. Theyโve used a standard 15% profit margin in their viability modelling and argue that key infrastructure, including roads and schools, can be delivered on that basis.
โ ๏ธ But Kent County Council has raised serious doubts. Theyโve warned that if critical infrastructure like the Southern Relief Road isnโt properly secured with up-front guarantees (bonds, deposits, etc), the whole scheme risks collapsing. Councils donโt have the same financial buffer as developers โ if something goes wrong, itโs local taxpayers and residents who bear the cost.
๐ The Inspector has repeatedly interrogated the reliability of the figures. She noted the absence of a detailed cost plan and challenged how inflation, compliance costs and contingencies were presented. Sheโs made it clear that viability will be central to whether this plan goes ahead.
๐ฌ This isnโt just about spreadsheets โ itโs about whether essential infrastructure will ever materialise. Without strong financial safeguards, thereโs a real risk that residents could be left with thousands of new homes and none of the promised roads, schools or services.
๐ฃ If youโre concerned about the risks to our community in Swale, please donate to the Action Groupโs Fighting Fund:
The Public Inquiry resumes on Tuesday 22 July.