Swale’s planning committee voted last night to refuse the application to build new houses on land East of Lynsted Lane. This follows a vigorous campaign by the Parish Council against the proposals which attracted well over 200 letters of objection from local residents.
The Council chamber was packed on a hot and muggy evening with over 50 Lynsted householders in attendance to register their disapproval. The debate raged for one and three quarter hours with strong arguments voiced on both sides.
Speeches from parish and ward councillors emphasised the highways and parking issues, the decline of shops and services in Teynham and the loss of amenity to those living in Lynsted Lane. The housing would result in increased car use and carbon emissions in a location already designated as an Air Quality Management Area - contrary to Government guidelines that new developments should be designed to reduce pollution.
When it came to the vote, eleven councillors voted against the recommendation of planning officers - with just one in favour and four abstentions.
The meeting was then adjourned whilst officers drafted up the grounds for refusal, which were again approved by a huge margin.
A great result for local democracy, but it remains to be seen whether the developers will appeal against the decision.
You can read the three-minute formal presentations HERE