Quinn Estates have revised their two applications to build what is now a total of 8,400 new dwellings plus commercial space North and South of the A2.
The way the planning system works is that, even if you've already commented, you have to write in again. Otherwise it is assumed the re-submitted plans address any concerns you've raised.
Click on these links to view the new plans for Land to the West of Teynham (Northern site) and Highsted Park (Southern site).
Where you have commented previously, all you need to do is refer to your earlier correspondence. If nothing in the latest submissions makes you change your mind, you can simply state that you continue to object to - or support - these plans.
If you haven't expressed your views before, reading what other people have written can help frame your response.
You can log in to the planning website (as above) and submit your comments online, or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - more information on how to have your say can be found here
If you wish to comment on both applications, you will need to write in twice - quoting the relevant reference number.
Below are the summary comments submitted by Lynsted with Kingsdown Parish Council on 22 December.
Highsted Park
Whilst we note the slight reduction in the number of residential dwellings, nothing in this revised documentation alters our fundamental objection to this sprawling destruction of best most versatile farmland. According to DEFRA, this area is classed as Grade 1 and we need to protect agricultural land for UK food production. Important landscapes that residents cherish must be preserved. The Government has made clear that brownfield development should be prioritised over greenfield. Swale Council must make the case on behalf of the Borough for fewer new houses to be built than currently planned, based on projected local population growth and infrastructure constraints. We do not need, nor can we accommodate, this volume of new housing which will have adverse environmental and ecological impacts. We already have a chronic shortage of GPs in Swale and the construction of buildings for medical facilities does not result in the recruitment of doctors and nurses. There are also major concerns about the additional strain on local water supplies, as well as drainage. We reiterate the objections raised in our letter dated 26 October 2021 and our position has not changed.
Land to the West of Teynham
This application would bring over 2,000 more vehicles to the area, but building new roads does not mitigate the problems of traffic congestion - they attract 40% more traffic before a single extra house is built. There are three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) between Sittingbourne and Ospringe. Poor air quality can cause asthma and respiratory inflammation, as well as promoting cancers and affecting lung development in children. Existing pollution across the wider A2 area, but especially in the AQMAs, would be severely exacerbated by the applicant’s plans. The scale and location of this development would impact the farmlands and our ability to produce local food, as well as adversely affecting the historic setting and landscape of heritage assets. It would result in an amalgamation of Teynham and Tonge parishes with the settlement at Bapchild and the edge of the Sittingbourne developed area. This is in direct conflict with the designation of Important Local Countryside Gaps to avoid coalescence, in order to retain the character and identity of villages and rural settlements. We reiterate the objections raised in our letter dated 26 October 2021 and our position has not changed.