Government Sets New Date For Highsted Park Decision

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner, who holds strategic oversight for planning policy in the UK, has delayed a decision on the two major Highsted Park planning applications, saying more time is needed to consider the detailed evidence submitted by all parties.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner, who holds strategic oversight for planning policy in the UK, has delayed a decision on the two major Highsted Park planning applications, saying more time is needed to consider the detailed evidence submitted by all parties.

A decision had been expected by Wednesday 30th September but will now be issued on or before Thursday 12th November 2026.

The Government has formally circulated submissions from the Swale Borough Council, Kent County Council, The Five Parishes Opposition Group, the Teynham and Highsted Community Action Group, National Highways and the applicants themselves.

All parties now have until Friday 25th September to comment on the responses before the Secretary of State continues her consideration of the proposals.

The Five Parishes Group said its submission sets out its reasons for opposing the developments, arguing that the plans would have significant consequences for nearby villages, ancient woodland, heritage, the countryside and the setting of the Kent Downs National Landscape.

The group stressed that no final decision has yet been made and said it would continue to scrutinise further submissions ahead of the new deadline.