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 …
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 …
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 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
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
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 …
Read more “Highsted Park Planning Inquiry starts on Tuesday”
The Action Group has raised £25,377. Thank you for all your donations. To donate: Click here
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.
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 …
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%.