The Highsted Park Planning Inquiry will restart on Tuesday 8 April. Local parish councils are standing up for our communities—but they need your help. Here’s a brief overview, and how you can get involved.
What is it all about?
Highsted Park consists of two large planning applications proposing a major development of 8,400 houses, new roads (including the northern and southern relief roads), and infrastructure like schools and space for GP facilities. The sites are located on land to the south and east of Sittingbourne and west of Teynham. Combined, these applications represent one of the largest development proposals in England.
What is currently happening?
A Planning Inquiry is taking place in the council chamber at Swale House in Sittingbourne and will run until July 2025. The Planning Inspector will listen to evidence from the applicants (the companies proposing the development) and groups opposing it. After considering all views, the Inspector will provide a recommendation to the Secretary of State later this year.
What are the key concerns?
Local residents, business owners, and parish councils have raised concerns, including:
- Scale: The proposed development will stretch from the M2 motorway to Lower Road, Teynham
- Urbanisation: Permanent loss of rural character, turning countryside into built-up areas.
- Environment and Landscape: Damage to the countryside, with the loss of farmland.
- Traffic and Roads: Significant increases in traffic on already congested roads.
- Public Services: Pressure on existing schools, healthcare facilities, and emergency services.
- Loss of Agricultural Land: Reduced food production and loss of rural character.
- Pollution: Increased noise and air pollution.
- Heritage Impact: Risk to nearby historic sites and landscapes.
- Sustainability: Preference for using brownfield sites before developing farmland.
- Loss of Recreation Space: Reduced green spaces for walking, exercising, and dog walking.
How are we responding?
Doddington, Lynsted with Kingsdown, Newnham, Teynham, and Tonge Parish Councils are working together as The Action Group. They have applied to become a Rule 6 party, meaning they are a formal participant in the inquiry with the right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses. To strengthen our case, we’ve employed a barrister and expert consultants to represent community concerns effectively.
Why are the parish councils working together?
By working together, the parish councils can pool their resources and share expertise, to represent community views. Collaboration also helps them engage specialist support and make a stronger case against the applications.
Why Bother?
Highsted Park would dramatically alter the landscape and character of our communities. It would bring additional congestion, strain local services, and reduce valuable agricultural land. By participating in the inquiry, we have a chance to protect our environment, heritage, and quality of life. Every voice matters, and sharing community concerns can make a significant impact.
How can I help?
- Attend the Inquiry: The sessions are open to the public, and your presence shows community interest.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from The Action Group, via the dedicated news page.
- Raise Awareness: Share this page with friends, neighbours, and local businesses.
- Contact Your MP: Let your concerns be known through emails or letters to your Member of Parliament.
- Donate: Contribute to help cover the costs of the barrister and expert witnesses. Click here to donate.
- Display a Poster: Show your support by putting up a poster in your window.
- Garden Board: Display a garden board to raise awareness in your neighbourhood. Request a board via your parish clerk (limited availability)
Together, we can make sure local voices are heard and the best decision is made for our community.