Two applications have been submitted which, if passed, would see 8,400 houses built in South and East Sittingbourne. Hours before planning officials at Swale Borough Council were due to vote on the plans, they were informed that the matter had been taken out of their hands and will be put before Secretary of State Angela Rayner for a planning decision.  

Our Planning and Policy Team has raised concerns that these large-scale developments will lead to the direct loss of ancient woodland, as well as the loss of habitats within Local Wildlife Sites. They also challenge the developers’ claim that this will be the “most sustainable development in the south-east" as it will cause significant habitat loss and increase recreational pressures on both Local Wildlife Sites and Tonge Mill Country Park. 

Planning and Policy Officer Emma Waller says:  

 “We are deeply concerned about the environmental impact of the planning applications for the developments near Sittingbourne and Teynham. These proposals would result in the direct loss of ancient woodland, significant portions of Local Wildlife Sites, and Priority Habitats, including hedgerows and traditional orchards, which are vital to biodiversity and protected species. The two developments risk fragmenting critical wildlife corridors, increasing pressure on nearby Tonge Mill Country Park and Cromers Wood, and impacting sensitive species such as turtle dove, one of the UK’s fastest-declining birds.  

“The country is facing an ecological meltdown with only around 2.5% of ancient woodland remaining. These are unique and precious habitats that support an array of rare wildlife. You’re not just removing trees when you lose ancient woodland, but also the soil and ground flora which usually hasn’t been disturbed for hundreds of years.  Once it is gone, it's lost forever, it can never be truly replaced and replicated.” 

Read our response to the applications here: 

• 21/503906/EIOUT - Land To The West Of Teynham London Road Teynham Kent 

• 21/503914/EIOUT - Land South and East of Sittingbourne, Kent 

Help us stand tall for trees 

If you wish to support the work of Kent Wildlife Trust in taking a stand for nature and protecting woodlands across Kent you can donate to the “Save our Woodlands” appeal.