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.