Swale council faces £700,000 costs for a Highsted Park housing inquiry. Councillor blames MP for intervention, leading to budget cuts.
A big housing plan is causing problems. It involves building 8,400 homes near Sittingbourne and Teynham. A public inquiry starts March 11 and will last for 12 weeks.
The council opposes the housing plan and must spend a lot on legal help. The cost could be as high as £700,000, an amount which some call “astronomical.”
The council’s planning budget is increasing to £1.423 million. Last year, it was only £409,000. Extra planning costs total £582,700 since November.
One councillor blamed a local MP who asked the government to intervene and decide on the housing plan directly. The councillor said this action increased costs, and taxpayers will now pay the bill. She finds the situation very frustrating.
The council must find savings now, and they might use reserves to cover costs. Some cuts include the playground budget, which will be reduced by £100,000. Other cuts are also proposed.
Staffing might change with a £64,000 cut. A loneliness project could lose £36,000, and community grants could decrease by £47,000.
One councillor fears playground closures, thinking this harms young families. The council will review playgrounds and consult the public.
The council stated they need ample funds to defend their position well, but they don’t know the full inquiry cost yet.
The MP denied causing the increased costs, saying others wanted the government to step in. He claims the council made bad choices.
The housing plan also includes a hotel, a new waste facility, a school, and a motorway junction. They plan to also complete a relief road.
The MP says he supports the government’s decision, which involves a bypass and local services. He feels the council is wasting money fighting the inquiry.