Thursday 15 May
Thursday was the first of two sessions dedicated to hearing from local residents and community representatives. Nineteen people addressed the Inspector, offering personal and powerful reflections on how the proposed Highsted Park development would impact their lives and neighbourhoods. Seventeen speakers objected to the scheme, while two spoke in support.
- A summary of the key themes, from day 1, is shown below.
- Watch the session in full online (Swale Borough Council’s YouTube channel)
- Support our campaign
It was a powerful and heartfelt day, providing the Inspector with real insight into the views of the local community. A second public speaker session was held on Friday 16 May.
Concerns from Public Speakers
🔹 Key concerns raised by objectors included:
- Loss of Landscape and Character: Many described how the development would erode the rural setting, peace, and heritage of villages like Tunstall, Bredgar, Rodmersham, and Teynham. Particular concern was raised about harm to the Kent Downs National Landscape and local conservation areas.
- Traffic and Safety: Residents highlighted the worsening of already difficult road conditions and congestion around schools and village lanes. Concerns included pedestrian safety, increased air pollution, and inappropriate road upgrades (e.g. traffic lights near schools).
- Infrastructure Strain: There was strong feeling that essential infrastructure—especially healthcare, schools (including SEND provision), and public transport—could not cope with the additional demand from thousands of new homes.
- Water Supply and Drainage: Several speakers expressed concern that the development would put unsustainable pressure on local water resources and increase the risk of surface water flooding, especially in low-lying and rural areas where drainage infrastructure is already limited.
- Impact on Wildlife and Access to Nature: The countryside was described as integral to local wellbeing and daily life. Residents spoke about the likely loss of biodiversity, public rights of way, and the dark skies that define the rural character of the area. The removal of hedgerows was noted as a further blow to the landscape and local habitats.
- Heritage and Local Identity: Speakers referenced the historical importance of their villages and the threat posed to listed buildings, ancient field patterns, and long-established community connections.
- Concerns Over Process and Trust: There was unease about the outline nature of the application, with residents fearing that key details (like housing layout, lighting, and green buffers) would only be decided later, when public input may no longer be possible.
Support
🔹 Supportive voices focused on the need for housing and the potential for economic growth, although this was a minority view.
