This petition is being organised by the Lower Higham Residents' Group, a community group formed by residents of Higham who are deeply concerned about the impact of the proposed redevelopment of the Nuralite Industrial Estate. We are calling on Gravesham Borough Council and all relevant decision-makers to protect our village, our homes and our environment. 

The developer's own documents confirm proposals involving approximately 500,000 tonnes of imported material and up to 50 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) movements per hour for up to three years through the residential roads of Lower Higham. These roads are acknowledged within the submitted documents as being narrow, single-track in places, and passing directly alongside homes. 

We believe serious questions remain about whether the necessary assessments have been completed to justify this development proceeding in its current form.

The planning documents reveal several significant gaps, including concerns regarding ecological surveys, protected species assessments, structural risk assessments, vibration modelling, pedestrian safety assessments and contamination risks. Residents are particularly concerned that environmental impacts on local wildlife, nearby habitats, public footpaths and the wider community have not been fully assessed. 

The site sits adjacent to existing rail infrastructure, yet the use of rail freight appears not to have been properly pursued. The developer's position appears to be that alternative transport methods are not financially viable. However, the extra cost to the developer should not justify imposing years of disruption, pollution, congestion and safety concerns on an entire community. 

Our concerns include:

Road safety risks for residents, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and children. 
Constant noise, vibration, pollution and dust from intensive HGV traffic. 
Potential damage to historic residential properties, some dating back to the 1800s.
Increased congestion and gridlock on roads already struggling with existing traffic volumes. 
Loss of parking and reduced accessibility for residents, visitors, carers and emergency services.
Potential impacts on local wildlife, protected species and the surrounding environment. 
Health concerns relating to diesel emissions, dust and the management of contaminated land and asbestos on the site. 

Higham's residents should not be expected to sacrifice their safety, health, environment and quality of life simply because transporting material by road is the cheapest option.

The primary objective of this petition is to demonstrate the strength of opposition to the Nuralite development from residents of Higham, neighbouring communities, and supporters across Kent. The signatures collected will be used by the Lower Higham Residents' Group as evidence in our ongoing efforts to protect our village and prevent the significant disruption this development would cause.

By signing this petition, you are supporting the Lower Higham Residents' Group in standing up for the safety, wellbeing and interests of local residents. This development places a substantial burden on our community while offering little, if any, benefit to those who live here.

Even if you do not live in Higham, your support matters. If a development of this nature can be imposed on one community without proper regard for its residents, it can happen elsewhere. Please sign this petition to help us protect Higham and to stand against unsafe and inappropriate developments across Kent.