This is a summary of Day 3, focusing on landscape and visual matters, as discussed by Kate Ahern (LUC, representing Swale Borough Council) and barrister Zack Simons (for the applicant).
🌳 Kate Ahern’s Key Points (Swale Borough Council’s Landscape Expert):
🔹 Concerned that the development could significantly alter the character of the landscape, particularly in relation to towns, settlements, and natural green spaces.
🔹 Argued that the proposed green space may not be genuinely accessible or beneficial to local communities.
🔹 Stressed the importance of well-designed and planned green infrastructure, warning against a piecemeal approach.
🔹 Highlighted that the scheme’s impact on visual amenity, natural views, and heritage character needed closer scrutiny.
⚖ Barrister Zack Simons’ Cross-Examination (For the Applicant):
❓ Questioned whether Swale Borough Council’s position was consistent with planning policies regarding green infrastructure and public spaces.
❓ Challenged what qualifies as “landscape-led” design, arguing that the applicant’s proposals included substantial green space provisions.
❓ Pressed Kate on whether her concerns were over-generalised, suggesting that the scheme does include well-planned areas of amenity green space.
❓ Argued that natural and semi-natural green spaces could still serve a functional purpose, even if they were not formally designated as parks or public spaces.
The Teynham & Highsted Community Action Group is a consortium of five parish councils – Teynham, Lynsted with Kingsdown, Tonge, Doddington and Newnham. This summary has been generated by AI from a transcript of the video recording.
For more information on the action group, please visit: https://teynham-highsted.org/news/
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