On 7th November 2024, three hours before Swale Borough Council’s Planning Committee was due to debate and determine two outline planning applications for 8,400 dwellings, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government called them in.
They are to be determined by the Secretary of State, rather than the Local Planning Authority. The combined development is known as Highsted Park and is proposed to be located in c.675ha of the Kent countryside, close to Sittingbourne.
A 12-week Planning Inquiry into Highsted Park is set to open on 11th March 2025 at 10am and is scheduled to close on 25th July 2025. Simon Bell and Simon Barnes will be appearing on behalf of two Rule 6 Parties – the Teynham and Highsted Community Action Group and the Five Parishes Group. Both groups represent a total of 9 Parish Councils, raising concerns about the adverse impacts that the proposals present on their local communities and the surrounding countryside.
The Inquiry is taking place in the Council Chamber, at Swale Borough Council’s Offices at Swale House East Street, Sittingbourne ME10 3HT. It is being livestreamed and can be viewed through this link.
For more information see: https://www.hwa.uk.com/projects/land-south-and-east-of-sittingbourne-kent-s77-inquiry/
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