Friday 16 May
The second public speaker session took place on Friday, giving another 13 residents and community representatives the opportunity to address the Inspector. People spoke passionately in opposition to the proposed Highsted Park development. Only one speaker expressed support.
It was a diverse and at times emotional session, with community voices once again providing the Inquiry with a powerful account of what’s at stake. A summary is shown below.
🔹 Main issues raised by objectors included:
- 🏛️ Harm to listed buildings and historic settings
Speakers voiced deep concern about the impact of the scheme on nearby listed buildings and conservation areas. The loss of rural context and historic landscape was seen as a serious erosion of the borough’s heritage. Specific references were made to the visual intrusion and inappropriate scale of the proposals in relation to historic buildings and their settings. - 💧 Water stress and sewage overload
Several residents raised urgent concerns about local water shortages and sewage discharges. Swale was described as one of the driest parts of the UK, already suffering from over-abstraction and regular sewage spills. The addition of thousands of homes was seen as untenable without major infrastructure upgrades. - ☣️ Pollution risks from historic industrial use
One speaker with experience at the former Shell site, at what is now the Kent Science Park, raised serious questions about unknown chemical residues left in the soil. The lack of long-term study into the environmental risks of past pesticide testing on site was highlighted as a major uncertainty. - 🌾 Loss of best and most versatile agricultural land
The proposed development would result in the permanent loss of some of the highest quality farmland in Kent. Residents stressed the importance of protecting this land for future food production and local food security, especially in the context of climate change. - 🏘️ Pressure on local villages
Rodmersham, Bapchild and Tunstall were among the communities cited as at risk of being overwhelmed by the scale of development. Concerns were raised about increased congestion, loss of green space, and damage to community identity. The proposal to build thousands of homes around villages with only a few hundred residents was seen as disproportionate and insensitive. - 🌿 Voices of the younger generation
In a particularly moving moment, pupils from Rodmersham Primary School addressed the Inquiry. They spoke clearly and confidently about their love of the countryside, wildlife, and quiet surroundings — and their fear that all this would be lost if the scheme goes ahead.
🔹 Supportive comments:
The one speaker in favour of the development spoke about the need for housing, economic growth, and the benefits of a privately funded infrastructure package. They described Highsted Park as a “blueprint for sustainable growth” and a vital opportunity to unlock new jobs and modern facilities.
The inquiry is now adjourned for two weeks. Site visits are due to take place at the beginning of June, and the inquiry will then resume with expert evidence on transport and highways.