Day 41: Viability

24 July 2025 Affordable housing at Highsted Park โ€” policy compliant or falling short? On the final viability day of the Highsted Park Inquiry on Thursday 24 July, the spotlight was on affordable housing โ€” how much will be delivered, who itโ€™s for, and whether the figures add up. Giving evidence for the Applicant, Claire …

๐ˆ๐ฌ ๐‡๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฌ๐ญ๐ž๐ ๐๐š๐ซ๐ค ๐…๐ข๐ง๐š๐ง๐œ๐ข๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐•๐ข๐š๐›๐ฅ๐ž? ๐€ ๐‘๐ข๐ฌ๐ค ๐“๐จ๐จ ๐†๐ซ๐ž๐š๐ญ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐’๐ฐ๐š๐ฅ๐ž?

One of the biggest concerns raised at the Planning Inquiry over the past couple of weeks is whether the Highsted Park development is financially viable โ€” and what happens if it isnโ€™t. ๐Ÿงฎ The developers claim their numbers stack up. They say even if profit margins are tight, large private firms often proceed based on …

ยฃ532 Raised for Action Group!

Saturday 19 July A fantastic evening at Teynham Community Hall on Saturday raised ยฃ532 towards our Action Group fund. The quiz, โ€˜Heads and Tailsโ€™, and raffle made for a fun nightโ€”thank you to everyone who came along, donated prizes, or took part! Special thanks to quiz master Steve and scorekeeper Elaine for keeping things entertaining …

Quiz Night: Saturday 19 July

Join us for Quiz Night! The Action Groupโ€”representing Doddington, Lynsted with Kingsdown, Newnham, Teynham, and Tonge Parish Councilsโ€”is hosting a fun-filled evening to raise essential funds for our legal teamโ€”covering the cost of a barrister and expert witnessesโ€”so we can effectively represent our community at the Highsted Park Planning Inquiry. Come along, test your knowledge, …

Day 31: Financial Viability

This week the Planning Inquiry is focusing on financial viability of the proposed applications โ€“ that means whether the developer can actually afford to deliver what theyโ€™re promising, like affordable housing, roads, schools, and other infrastructure. Watch live online: https://www.youtube.com/@SwaleCouncil List of speakers https://programmeofficers.co.uk/Highsted/Programme.pdf

Join Us for Quiz Night: 19 July 2025

Saturday 19 July, 7.30pm Teynham Community Hall The Action Group is hosting a fun-filled evening to raise essential funds for our legal teamโ€”covering the cost of a barrister and expert witnessesโ€”so we can effectively represent our community at the Highsted Park Planning Inquiry. Come along, test your knowledge, and support the cause!

Day 25: Transport

Wednesdayโ€™s session continued the evidence of Bruce Bamber, highways expert for the Teynham & Highsted Community Action Group, followed by testimony from Cllr Monique Bonney of the Five Parishes Opposition Group. Key points from the day: Bruce Bamber (for the Teynham & Highsted Community Action Group) Brendan Weaver (for the Duchy of Cornwall) Cllr Monique Bonney (for the Five …

Day 24: Transport โ€” Cross-Examination of Bruce Bamber

Tuesday 10 June: The entire day was spent with Bruce Bamber, the highways consultant for the Teynham & Highsted Community Action Group, under detailed cross-examination by the applicantโ€™s barrister. Key Points from the day On the transport modelling: In Summary

Day 23: Highways โ€” Bruce Bamber’s evidence

Fridayโ€™s session continued the expert evidence of Bruce Bamber, highways consultant for the Teynham and Highsted Community Action Group. His testimony challenged the applicantโ€™s assumptions on traffic impact and sustainable transport โ€” raising serious doubts about how this development would function in reality. Key concerns raised by Mr Bamber: Cross-examination Bottom line: To donate, click …

Day 22: Delivery & Transport Impacts

Following a two-day site visit where the Inspector walked the full length of both proposed relief roads, the Day 22 session returned to Swale House with a sharper focus on deliverability and transport impacts. Cross-examination of National Highways Bruce Bamber Key takeaway: The Teynham & Highsted Action Group is now just ยฃ3,500 short of its …