Keep up to date with the latest developments.
- Day Three: Landscape & Visual Impact
📢 Highsted Park Public Inquiry – Day Three: Landscape & Visual Impact 📢
This is a summary of Day Three, 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.âš–Â Barrister Zack Simons’ Cross-Examination (For the Applicant):
âť“ 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.
âť“ 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. Â
For more information on the action group, please visit: Â Â https://teynham-highsted.org/news/
- 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:Â 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: ÂŁ25,377 (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 ÂŁ580
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: ÂŁ21,838 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: ÂŁ17,483 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. ÂŁ500 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.
