Hougham Without Parish Council: Official Response to Dover Planning

Residents of Church Hougham and West Hougham are facing a development proposal that threatens to permanently change the character, tranquillity, and safety of our villages. A large-scale HGV parking facility—situated less than 400 metres from our homes—has entered the scoping stage for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Despite the enormous implications for our landscape and our community, the time allowed for local response has been unacceptably short.

Yet even with limited notice, our community is unwavering:

We do not want a vast industrial lorry park imposed on our doorstep.

This is not a minor planning application. It is a proposal that would sit in the designated green belt, on high-quality agricultural land, and within the Kent Downs National Landscape, an area meant to be protected, not industrialised.

The proposed site also lies near the UNESCO Geopark project area and threatens to set a dangerous precedent for major development in a protected landscape. If this project proceeds, the damage to the environment, the heritage views, and the quality of life for residents could be irreversible.

Key Community Concerns

Residents and the Parish Council have highlighted serious gaps and omissions in the developer’s scoping document. These concerns include:

• Severe traffic impacts on the B2011, A20, and A260—routes already prone to accidents, congestion, fog, and dangerous conditions.

• Major visual harm to a nationally important landscape, including long-distance views across the White Cliffs and the Kent Downs.

• Significant noise pollution, day and night, from HGV movements, refrigeration units, air brakes, and site operations.

• Air quality risks, particularly for children, in an area already affected by Port of Dover emissions.

• Threats to wildlife, including bats and livestock, due to lighting, noise, and air disturbance.

• Potential contamination due to historic military use of the land and the risk of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

• Drainage and groundwater concerns, especially as the site lies over an aquifer in a protected zone.

• Impact on local identity, wellbeing, and community life, with no clear local economic benefits.

The Parish Council has now formally submitted the following detailed response to Dover District Council’s planning department. It is a powerful, collective statement on behalf of every parishioner:

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Letter to DDC planning development re Scope for EIA of lorry park .docx.pdf

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