Rodmersham and the Five Parishes Campaign
Rodmersham School is proud to stand alongside the communities of Bapchild, Tunstall, Milstead, and Bredgar as part of the Five Parishes Campaign—a collective effort to raise awareness and take action against a speculative planning proposal that poses significant threats to our local environment and infrastructure.
The proposed development spans 1,667 acres of open countryside and includes:
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8,400 new dwellings
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170,000 sqm of commercial buildings
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A new motorway junction and link road connecting the M2 and A2
—all of which would be built on prime agricultural land, ancient woodland, and areas partly within a National Park.
This development is:
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Not part of any Local Plan
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Not compliant with local or national planning policy
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Not located on brownfield, greenbelt, or grey land
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It would decimate protected landscapes, conservation areas, water protection zones, and destroy vital habitats. Local services—including roads, schools, and healthcare—would face overwhelming pressure.
Despite widespread objection from statutory bodies such as Highways England, KCC Highways, Historic England, Natural England, and the Environment Agency, the scheme is now heading to a Public Planning Inquiry starting on 11th March, expected to last around three months.
As a school rooted in the heart of one of the affected villages, Rodmersham is committed to standing with our local community to safeguard the countryside, heritage, and wellbeing of our children. We are helping raise awareness, supporting parish-led events, and teaching children the value of protecting the environment they live and learn in.
The Five Parishes Campaign urgently needs support—financial and practical—to ensure proper legal and specialist representation at the inquiry. Together, we are determined to protect our villages and give our children the future they deserve.
To learn more, support the campaign, or donate to the inquiry fund, please visit: https://www.fiveparishescampaign.org.uk
On May 16th, our school was invited to attend the Public Inquiry to share our thoughts and feelings about the proposed Highsted Park Development. Our Year 6 children had worked hard to write a powerful speech, which they were determined to deliver. As Headteacher, I was also given the opportunity to speak on behalf of our school community. We are so proud of our incredibly brave children, who spoke with honesty, courage, and passion. You can watch their speech by clicking the link below.