IWADE NEWS

To ensure the village can continue to enjoy festive lighting, the Council is considering hiring new, modern, energy efficient lights from a specialist supplier. Hiring removes the need for repairs and storage and is likely to be more cost effective overall, but it does involve an ongoing annual hire fee.

Before making any decision, we want to understand whether residents feel the Christmas lights are something the village should continue to invest in. We would like your views so please tell us:
1. Do you enjoy having Christmas lights in the village each year?
2. Do you want the Christmas lights to continue?
3. Do you feel continuing with Christmas lights is a worthwhile use of Parish Council funds?
The consultation is now open and will close on Tuesday May 12th 2026. Click here to complete the survey >>

Vote on All Saints WhatsApp or direct to John Guest on 07710 353461. Next showing on the BIG screen in All Saints is 3.00 on 24th May.

• Swale Borough Councils 5 year housing target is 5,502. Planning applications for 7,000 new homes in Swale have already been approved.
• The proposed Highsted Park development, if approved, would supply 8,400 new homes.
• Iwade Parish Council are in the process of organising an independent traffic survey to assess how the increase in housing in Iwade will impact traffic in the village.
• The proposal includes 40% social housing. The plans show they are all allocated in one area together, social housing should be spread throughout the estate.
• The proposed housing mix plan shows apartments to be built at the entrance of the housing development adjacent to Sheppey Way. This is not in keeping with the character and appearance of the local area.
• The local infrastructure cannot cope with increased housing; nurseries, schools and the GP surgery.
• Iwade Stream runs between these two developments and any increase in surface water runoff/allowing water into this waterway, will increase the risk of flooding in the centre of the village.
• With climate change and increased rainfall during winter developers should be doing all they can to protect existing properties from flooding and not exacerbate the risk. There is no water attenuation provision in the Sheppey Way section.
• This land is not allocated on Swales Local Plan for development.
• Swale Borough Council have already approved 512 new homes to be built in Iwade.

Email kingdomclown@gmail.com with your vote

Ali and the Woolpack team would like to thank all old & new customers that have supported them through the years and invite you to their leaving party on 22nd May 2026 from 4pm with live music - a final fairwell party - in the IWADE WHATS ON.

Having driven it today 10th April 20f26 there were 3 lanes now open most of the way round and traffic lights seemed better set with some not on. See for yourself!

The latest email from Jacksons says - "To ensure the gyratory begins to operate in its full capacity, we have removed most of the traffic management cones from various sections of site where we are currently doing no works. The traffic lights on the A249 south bound exit slip road will be switched on as soon as BT completes their works on the slip road and remove their traffic management. As we continue with finishing works around site, we will only install traffic management, when necessary, for the safety of our work force."

Nearly there Iwade although reading the Jackson update maybe those were the lights not on so they'll be on at some point soon!

A recent tour to Essex enjoyed by Erika and Faye included a stop at Thaxted to see the church where Gustav Holst played the organ and other historical buildings. It also passed through the beautiful Essex Rodings before visiting the Lodge Family Coach Museum for lunch and a ride on a vintage coach.

The organisers Elizabeth and Matthew join every trip and make everyone feel looked after as well as making sure that everything runs smoothly. Visits are well planned with a good balance of beautiful scenery and fascinating history.

There is a wide range of complimentary hot and cold drinks and snacks on offer onboard and the Tour Guides are entertaining and full of interesting tales about the places visited.

You can find Iwade Tours dates and trips in the IwadeVillage WHATS ON and get in touch to get booked on! Erika and Faye highly recommend!