Lorry Park Highlights Concerns Over Development In Protected National Landscapes

Plans for the proposed Courtwood Lorry Park near Hougham are drawing attention to the potential impacts of large-scale industrial development located directly in nationally protected landscapes.

The proposed site lies inside the formal boundary of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).It is barely 450 metres from the iconic white cliffs and protected Heritage Coastline, and soon to become Internationally recognised UNESCO geological Park , the first between two countries i.e. England and France. This proximity raises concerns about visual intrusion, noise, lighting, air quality and the long-term effect on the setting and character of the protected landscape.

AONBs are designated areas of land that have the highest level of protection from unsightly development and contrary to what the developers GSE describe as "unremarkable land" the land is designated to be conserved and enhance natural beauty. Indeed the National Landscapes Association state, " Southern England has some of the most iconic scenery on Earth, with its distinctive chalk and limestone vistas inspiring wonder for centuries"

More information about the Kent Downs National Landscape and its role can be found at:👉 https://www.kentdowns.org.uk

Context of International Landscape Recognition

The sensitivity of this location is further emphasised by the White Cliffs of Dover UNESCO Global Geopark application, which was formally submitted in November 2025.

If approved, the project would:

• Create the first UNESCO Global Geopark spanning two countries, linking the UK and France

• Represent a globally unprecedented designation

• Recognise the area’s geological, environmental and educational importance

A decision on the application is expected in summer 2026 (approx.).

UNESCO Global Geoparks are intended to promote conservation, education and sustainable development in landscapes of international significance.

Further information on UNESCO Global Geoparks is available here:👉 https://www.unesco.org/en/iggp

Potential Impacts of the Proposed Development

Campaigners and local residents have highlighted that large HGV facilities typically involve:

• Continuous heavy vehicle movements

• Industrial-scale lighting and surfacing

• Noise and air pollution

• Visual change to open countryside

When located in protected landscapes, these impacts can extend beyond the development site itself, affecting the surrounding environment and the experience of the protected area.

The Kent Downs National Landscape partnership has published drone footage and imagery that illustrates the scale, openness and sensitivity of the surrounding landscape, offering important visual context for understanding the potential effects of nearby industrial development.

Join our journey for UNESCO status

A Decision With Wider Relevance

While this proposal relates to a specific site near Hougham, the issues it raises are relevant to protected landscapes across England.

How development is assessed as suitable in protected areas — particularly where nationally and internationally significant landscapes are concerned — has implications for how landscape protection operates in practice across the whole UK .Only 15% of the land in England is designated as a protected National Landscape, why would anyone think it is a morally, ethically, correct and logical idea to build a huge scale HGV lorry park on this land as opposed to more suitable land ?

The iconic white cliffs landscape is part of our national heritage, our grandfathers drew inspiration from this landscape and it is our inheritance, gift and legacy to preserve and pass onto our children and grandchildren.

Once it's gone, it really is gone forever !