Help shape the future of Swale
Published
Monday 10 August, 2026
Updated
Monday 10 August, 2026
Swale Borough Council wants local people to help shape the future of the borough by taking part in the final public consultation for the new local plan.
This comprehensive blueprint puts local people first, making sure that new development delivers essential infrastructure, high-quality affordable homes, and environmental protections.
The council knows that residents often feel frustrated by national housing targets and the strain new developments can place on local services.
Creating and adopting a robust local plan is the council's strongest defence against these challenges.
By setting strict, locally designed rules, the council secures the legal power to control where building happens and forces developers to contribute their fair share to the community.
This consultation incorporates previous community feedback which focused on the detailed rules the council will use to decide future planning applications.
The new local plan focuses on key themes to protect and improve the borough:
- Putting infrastructure first - developers must prove that local transport networks and services can handle new projects before they begin building. The council is also prioritising active travel routes, such as walking and cycling paths.
- Building better homes for local people - the council requires developers to make 30% of all new housing on undeveloped land affordable. These developments must also include access to parks and play areas to benefit local families directly.
- Supporting the local economy - the plan identifies strategic sites to create new jobs within Swale, introduces rules to support rural businesses, and targets key areas, like town centres, for active regeneration.
- Protecting our environment - the council demands that any new development leaves the natural environment 20% better than it found it. This ambitious standard doubles the current national requirement.
Cllr Tim Gibson, leader of the council, said:
“Having a sound plan in place gives us much greater control over where and how building happens. Without it, we risk leaving decisions to opportunistic developers, planning appeals, or national government mandates.
“We have been working hard to try to balance the need to meet national housing targets, create jobs and support regeneration, with the constraints of local infrastructure, and concerns about over-development.
“This draft plan sets out how we hope to do this, by forcing developers to build decent, affordable homes with green spaces, deliver essential transport links, protect our natural environment and meet high-quality design standards.
“Despite unavoidable delays caused by the Highsted Park inquiry, we are pushing ahead with these plans. We need these strong planning rules in place to protect Swale's interests before the change to the new unitary authorities.
“Please share your views before 21 September so we can be sure local voices are helping shape our ambitious vision for the future of the borough.”
The public consultation opens on 10 August and runs until 21 September. Residents can view the proposals and submit their feedback directly through the council's online consultation portal.
