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 donate 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 …

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 …

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 …

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. 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 …

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.