Our Story

Most communities face the same problem.

When large-scale developments are proposed, developers arrive with teams of planning consultants, lawyers, technical experts and significant financial resources. Local residents are expected to respond in their spare time, often with little access to the same level of expertise.

That is exactly why the Cockreed Lane Action Group was formed.

We came together in response to proposals for up to 110 houses on agricultural land at Cockreed Lane, New Romney. While this proposal affects our community directly, we believe the issues it raises are being faced by villages and towns across the country.

Too often, communities feel that decisions are being driven by housing targets, land values and developer interests, while the concerns of local residents are treated as an afterthought.

We believe local people deserve a meaningful voice in shaping the future of the places they call home.

Our campaign is not based on emotion alone. We are gathering evidence, researching planning policy, examining alternative sites, recording wildlife, reviewing environmental impacts and ensuring that every aspect of the proposal receives the scrutiny it deserves.

We are committed to making our case professionally, constructively and based on facts.

But doing that properly costs money.

The organisations promoting developments have access to specialist planning consultants, environmental advisers and legal teams. Communities rarely have those resources available.

That's where your support can make a real difference.

What Your Donation Will Fund

Every pound raised will help us ensure that local residents have access to professional advice and expertise when it matters most.

Funds may be used for:

• Independent planning advice and planning consultants

• Legal advice and representation where required

• Professional reviews of developer submissions and supporting documents

• Environmental and ecological assessments

• Specialist reports relating to wildlife, infrastructure, drainage, traffic and other impacts

• Community engagement, information materials and campaign activities

• Administrative and operational costs directly related to the campaign

Our aim is to ensure that decisions affecting our community are based on robust evidence and that local voices are heard throughout the planning process.

Why This Matters

This campaign is about more than Cockreed Lane.

It is about showing that communities do not have to simply accept decisions being made for them.

It is about proving that when residents come together, organise effectively and have access to the right expertise, they can stand up for the places they care about.

If we can build a strong, evidence-based campaign here on Romney Marsh, we hope it will inspire and encourage other communities facing similar challenges.

Developers may have money, consultants and lawyers.

We have something more powerful.

We have a community.

Together, we can make sure local voices are heard.