Keep up to date with the latest developments.
- Recap: The story so far
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.
- Day 6: Landscape
📢 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
- Day 5: Landscape & Visual Impact
🌿 Day 5: Landscape & Visual Impact at Highsted Park Inquiry 🌿
Main Discussions:
📌 Cllr Monique Bonney (Five Parishes Group) presented evidence emphasising the severe landscape harm the development would cause.
📌 She highlighted that the area includes protected landscapes, conservation areas, and countryside gaps, which would be permanently degraded by the proposal.
📌 Bonney argued that the cumulative visual harm—considering this development alongside others—would be significant and damaging to local character and views.⚖️ Cross-Examination (Zack Simons, Barrister for the Applicant):
🔍 Simons questioned the objectivity of the landscape assessments used by the opposition.
🔍 He suggested that mitigation measures, such as planting buffers and open spaces, could reduce visual harm.
🔍 He challenged whether some of the identified areas were truly at high risk of visual degradation or if they had already been impacted by modern infrastructure.🎤 Expert View from Clare Brockhurst (Leyton Place, for the Applicant):
🌳 She defended the applicant’s landscape impact assessment, arguing that the project had been designed to minimise visual intrusion.
🌳 Brockhurst stated that the countryside park and green buffers would help integrate the development into the landscape.
🌳 However, she acknowledged that certain areas would still experience notable visual changes, particularly in locations with historical and ecological importance.⚠️ Key Concerns Raised:
🚧 The cumulative landscape impact when combined with other large-scale developments.
🚧 Loss of open countryside views, particularly from protected and designated landscape areas.
🚧 The risk that proposed mitigation (such as planting) may not be enough to prevent significant visual harm.📢 The inquiry continues, and we’ll keep you updated with factual summaries from each session.
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.
To donate: Click here
- New fundraising total: £28,372 (18 March 2025)
Thank you for your generous support! We’ve raised an incredible £28,372 to support the Action Group’s legal representation and subject experts at the planning inquiry, ensuring our community’s voice is heard. Every contribution help strengthens our case. Could you lend your support?
Click here to read updates from the Action Group
- Fundraising target increased to £35,000
We are increasing our fundraising target from £31,000 to £35,000 to reflect the expanded scope of our involvement following insights gained during the first week of the planning inquiry.
To donate: Click here
- Day 4: Landscape Focus
Highsted Park Inquiry – Day 4: Landscape Focus
Day 4 of the Highsted Park Public Inquiry focused on landscape impact, with expert witness Katie Miller, Head of Planning and Place at Kent Downs National Landscape, giving evidence on behalf of Swale Borough Council. She was first questioned by Swale’s barrister, James Pereira, and later cross-examined by the applicant’s barrister, Zack Simons.
Key Points from Katie Miller’s Evidence
🌿 Significant Landscape Harm – Katie Miller stated that Highsted Park would cause “significant negative impact” to the Kent Downs National Landscape, affecting its character, tranquillity, and biodiversity. She highlighted concerns about light pollution, loss of open views, and urbanisation of a rural area.
🌍 Loss of Distinctive Countryside – She argued that the proposed development would permanently alter historic landscapes, damaging the natural and cultural heritage that defines the area.
🚗 Infrastructure and Landscape Damage – New roads and housing would fragment the landscape, disrupt wildlife corridors, and reduce the sense of openness that local residents value.
Barristers’ Questions & Key Exchanges
🔹 James Pereira (Swale BC) focused on ensuring Katie could explain how the proposal conflicts with national and local planning policies protecting the Kent Downs. He asked her to clarify why mitigation measures proposed by the developer (such as tree planting and screening) would not be sufficient.
🔹 Zack Simons (Developer’s Barrister) challenged her interpretation of impact and questioned whether development could be designed to fit within the landscape. He asked if similar developments elsewhere had been successfully integrated and pushed her on whether any parts of the proposal could be acceptable.
🔹 Katie maintained that no amount of mitigation would prevent the fundamental harm to the landscape and that Highsted Park would set a dangerous precedent for future development in protected areas.
This was a key session for highlighting the conflict between the proposed development and the need to protect Swale’s rural landscape. The inquiry continues this week, with much more evidence still to come.
The Teynham & Highsted Community Action Group still needs more funds to pay its legal and professional fees.
- Day 3: Landscape & Visual Impact
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/
To donate: Click here
- Garden boards on display
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all local residents who have kindly displayed the garden boards. Your support is raising awareness for the planning inquiry and strengthening our fundraising efforts to present a compelling case.
Due to popular demand, a second batch of boards will be produced this week. Supplies are limited, so if you’d like to secure one, please reach out to your parish council. (Doddington, Lynsted with Kingsdown, Newnham, Teynham, or Tonge Parish Council.)
To donate: Click here.
- The first batch of signboards has been dispatched.
The Teynham & Highsted Community Action Group’s first batch of garden boards are ready for delivery.
Thank you to the volunteers who produced the boards, supplied the posts and staked them up – all free of charge!To donate: Click here
- Week 1: Highsted Park Planning Inquiry Begins
The Highsted Park planning inquiry has officially commenced.
Throughout the week, members of the Action Group—including Bev Smith, Julien Speed, Paul Townson, and Emma Turner—have taken turns observing the proceedings in the inquiry room at Swale House, Sittingbourne.
- Day 1: The inquiry opened with statements from six barristers, followed by a “Masterplan” presentation from the applicants.
- Day 2: Landscape
- Day 3: Landscape
- Day 4: Landscape — The focus turned to the Kent Downs national landscape, and the proposed motorway junction.
To donate: Click here
- Highsted Park Planning Inquiry starts on Tuesday
The Highsted Park Inquiry will open at 10:00 am on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, at Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, ME10 3HT.
Members of the public can observe in person (limited space available) or watch online via the Swale Borough Council YouTube channel. Recordings will be available after each day.
If attending in person, please arrive at least 15 minutes early, report to reception, and inform staff you are here for the Highsted Park Inquiry. You will need to sign in and be escorted to the inquiry room. For any access issues, call 01795 417107.
- New total: £25,377 (7 March 2025)
- Barrister and members of the ‘Action Group’ and ‘Five Parishes’ visit sites
Representatives from the ‘Action Group’ and the ‘Five Parishes’ group have visited the proposed northern and southern development sites alongside our joint barrister, Simon Bell.
The site visit included key locations such as Tonge Mill, the Tonge Conservation Area, Rodmersham Church, Frognal, archaeological dig sites, Highsted Valley, and the proposed motorway junction location.
- Doddington meeting raises £580
Great turnout at Doddington Village Hall this morning, where 50 local residents gathered to learn more about the proposed Highsted Park development (8,400 new houses). We raised an impressive £580 towards our crowdfunding campaign.
On stage representatives from Doddington, Lynsted with Kingsdown, Newnham, Teynham, and Tonge Parish Councils, standing together for our communities. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the cause!.
To donate, Click here
- New Total: £21,838 raised (28 February)
We’ve now raised 70% of our target to fund a barrister and professional consultants to stop 8,400 houses being built at Highsted Park. Please help us reach 100%.
- Delivery of leaflets starts
Volunteers from the Action Group have begun distributing leaflets to residents across the parishes of Doddington, Lynsted with Kingston, Newnham, Teynham, and Tonge.
- Volunteer: Sign Up to Help
We need your help. We’re fighting a proposal to build 8,400 new houses between Sittingbourne and Faversham. We need leaflet distributors, people to set up meeting venues, and social media helpers to name but a few roles. Could you spare an hour or two? To volunteer, complete this online form.
- To donate, click here.
- New Total: £17,483 raised (16 February)
Thanks to generous supporters, we’ve raised £17,483 towards our £31,000 target!
Your contributions are making a real impact—let’s keep the momentum going!- To donate to the campaign, click here.
- To volunteer, click here
- Heritage Evidence Submitted
We’ve submitted our heritage evidence documents, which will be part of the first tranche of topics at the planning inquiry starting Tuesday, 11 March. The heritage report, prepared by our expert Dr. Nicholas Doggett, provides a detailed assessment of the development’s impact. A crucial step in making our case—thank you for your continued support!
- Successful Launch Event at Teynham – Thank You!
Our public session on 9 February 2025 was held in the Village Hall at Teynham. Around 55 people attended, learning about the how we plan to respond, plus opportunities to get involved. £500 was also raised for campaign funds.
- To volunteer, click here.
- To donate, click here
Members of Doddington, Lynsted with Kingsdown, Newnham, Teynham, and Tonge Parish Council
- Crowdfunding campaign started
The Teynham & Highsted Action Group has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help fund our fight against the Highsted Park development.
How You Can Help: Donate, Share & Stay Updated
GoFundMe Link: https://gofund.me/74abfcca - Statement of Case published
Today, Friday, 17 January, the Action Group formally submitted its Statement of Case to the Planning Inspectorate as part of the Highsted Park planning inquiry process. This document outlines the Action Group’s principal arguments and supporting evidence opposing the proposed development.
- Donate Now
The Action Group needs your help to stop the Highsted Park development. Donate now! Donations will fund a barrister to present our case, expert transport analysis, and campaign materials like this website. Together, we can safeguard our countryside and communities.
- Introducing ‘The Action Group’
We are The Action Group: a coalition of five parish councils—Doddington, Lynsted with Kingsdown, Newnham, Teynham, and Tonge—united in opposition to the proposed Highsted Park development.
