Villagers Pack West Hougham Hall to Oppose 70-Acre Truck Stop Proposal

Residents of West Hougham and the surrounding villages turned out in overwhelming numbers this week to voice their anger and deep concern over plans for a massive 70-acre HGV truck stop proposed for the Kent Downs National Landscape. The public meeting, held at West Hougham Village Hall, was standing-room-only as locals gathered to hear details of the scheme and challenge its potential impacts.

According to reports, the mood in the hall was resolute: this development is not welcome here.

A “70-Acre Lighthouse” in a Protected Landscape

Residents described the proposed site as nothing less than a “70-acre lighthouse” — a huge, illuminated industrial complex placed in one of Kent’s most tranquil and environmentally sensitive areas. Many expressed disbelief that such a facility could even be considered within a nationally protected landscape known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and dark skies. Concerns raised at the meeting included:

• Light pollution from a 24-hour HGV site, visible for miles across the Downs

• Constant noise from heavy vehicles, generators, and refrigeration units

• Traffic congestion and safety risks on rural roads never designed for HGV volumes

• Habitat destruction and ecological disruption across valuable farmland

• Loss of rural character and long-cherished views over the Kent Downs

Speakers emphasised that once this landscape is industrialised, it cannot be recovered.

Growing Local Opposition

The meeting brought together residents, landowners, parish representatives, and campaigners, all united in opposition. Many attendees stressed that the area has already shouldered more than its fair share of major infrastructure pressures due to port-related traffic. Adding a sprawling HGV compound on greenfield land, they argued, would push the rural environment past breaking point.

There was also frustration about the process: although a full planning application has not yet been submitted, the developer has already begun formal steps by seeking an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping opinion. Residents fear that unless community voices are loud and organised now, the proposal could quietly advance.

Kent Downs National Landscape Team Shares Serious Concerns

The Kent Downs National Landscape (KDNL) team has already issued a strong professional response to the EIA scoping request, highlighting major shortcomings in the developer’s proposed environmental assessments. They warn that the site is pristine agricultural land fully aligned with the East Kent Downs Landscape Character Area, and any development of this scale would undermine the area’s natural beauty.

Their concerns include:

• Failure to assess environmental impacts at the site level

• Inadequate consideration of the area’s special landscape qualities

• Lack of assessment of lighting impacts despite 24-hour operation

• Insufficient focus on noise, movement, and wider ecological effects

Their expert position echoes the worries voiced by residents at the West Hougham meeting: the proposal is both unsuitable and harmful.

A Community Determined to Defend the Downs

The packed village hall demonstrated one thing clearly — the community is organised, alert, and deeply committed to protecting the Kent Downs. With a planning application expected in the coming year, local voices will play a critical role in shaping the future of this landscape.

Residents left the meeting with a shared message:

The Kent Downs is not the place for a 70-acre truck stop — and the community will fight to protect it.