A legal challenge on air quality grounds to the 2017 adopted local plan for the Canterbury district was considered by a high court judge on 21 March. 

The case, which was brought by Emily Shirley, a local environmental campaigner, was adjourned pending the decision of the Court of Appeal regarding an earlier high court case not to cancel the decision of the Secretary of State not to decide for himself the planning application for the contentious Mountfield Park development. Hearings on both cases are expected in the summer this year. 

At its meeting on 8 March Bridge Parish Council voted by 5 votes to 0 (with one abstention due to a potential conflict of interest) against the latest Quinn/HICO plans for an extensive development at Highland Court. Intriguingly, some councillors argued that such a vote was not necessary but voted in favour when the vote was held. The latest plans will see fewer homes built in the holiday village, but on slightly larger plots. Quinn will hold consultations in Bridge Village Hall on Thursday, 22 March (5:00 – 7:00 pm) and Bekesbourne Village Hall on Saturday, 24 March (9:00 – 11:00 am). Click here for more information. Come along and make your voice heard.

The Barham Downs Action Group (BDAG) has circulated its second update. This includes news on the latest plans produced by Quinn Estates and HICO, and a report on the consultation in Bridge on 18 February. To access this update click here.