📢 Highsted Park Public Inquiry – Day 6 Summary (Wednesday 19 March)
Wednesday 19 March marked the conclusion of the landscape discussions at the Highsted Park Public Inquiry. The session featured cross-examinations of Clare Brockhurst, the applicant’s landscape consultant, by barristers for Swale Borough Council and Kent County Council.
🔹 Landscape and Visual Impact
James Pereira KC (for Swale Borough Council) challenged the applicant’s assessment of landscape impacts, questioning whether the scale of the development had been properly considered. He raised concerns about the loss of rural character, the impact on long-distance views, and how effectively proposed green buffers would mitigate the development’s visibility. Ms Brockhurst defended the proposals, stating that landscape integration had been a key design principle and that mitigation measures, including planting and screening, would help soften the visual impact over time.
🔹 Public Rights of Way and Connectivity
Christopher Young KC (for Kent County Council) focused on how the development would affect public rights of way, including footpaths and bridleways. He questioned whether existing routes would be adequately preserved and whether new connections would truly compensate for any lost access. Ms Brockhurst acknowledged that some paths would need to be rerouted but maintained that the new network of green spaces and pedestrian links would provide a high-quality alternative.
This session concluded the landscape discussions at the Inquiry. The Inquiry now takes a two-week break and will resume on Tuesday 8 April, when the focus shifts to heritage considerations.
This summary has been brought to you by the Teynham & Highsted Community Action Group and was generated by AI based on a transcript of the proceedings.  We’ll continue to provide updates when the Inquiry resumes.  In the meantime, if you’d like to contribute to our fighting fund please visit:    https://gofund.me/51bcc120