19 August 2026

The Action Group has received two letters from the Government’s Planning Casework Unit providing an update on the two Highsted Park planning applications following last year’s public inquiry. A brief summary is provided below, with copies of both letters available on our website.

The Secretary of State has now received the Planning Inspector’s report and recommendations, which are currently under review. Before reaching a decision, the Government has noted that further information has been received on several matters, including the latest position on housing and the emerging Swale Local Plan.

The letters also acknowledge the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and invite the parties involved in the inquiry to comment on the implications of the changes.

All parties, including the Teynham and Highsted Action Group, which took part in the inquiry as a Rule 6 Party, have been invited to submit comments by 8 September 2026.

No decision has yet been made on either Highsted Park planning application.

The Action Group is a coalition of five parish councils — Doddington, Lynsted with Kingsdown, Newnham, Teynham and Tonge — working together in response to the Highsted Park proposals.

The correspondence can be viewed online

Letter from Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government [August 2026]

Letter from DHA with Appendix – Part 1 [August 2026]
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DHA Appendix – Part 2 [August 2026]
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