Author: theactiongroup

Thursday 15 May Thursday was the first of two sessions dedicated to hearing from local residents and community representatives. Nineteen people addressed the Inspector, offering personal and powerful reflections on how the proposed Highsted Park development would impact their lives and neighbourhoods. Seventeen speakers objected to the scheme, while two spoke in support. It was a powerful and heartfelt day, providing the Inspector with real insight into the views of the local community. A second public speaker session was held on Friday 16 May. Concerns from Public Speakers 🔹 Key concerns raised by objectors included: Support 🔹 Supportive voices focused on the need for housing and the …

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Two important documents were submitted to the Highsted Park Planning Inquiry last night, giving voice to widespread community opposition to the Highsted Park proposals. On behalf of the Action Group—representing Doddington, Lynsted with Kingsdown, Newham, Teynham, and Tonge Parish Councils—Julien Speed’s Proof of Evidence and Executive Summary highlight key concerns including traffic, healthcare, education, landscape, …

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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 …

Read more “Recap: The story so far”

📢 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 ImpactJames Pereira KC …

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🌿 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 …

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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 donate Click here to read updates from the Action Group

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

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

Read more “Garden boards on display”