Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Strongly disagree

We are writing to object to the proposed allocation of “The Lodge, Water Lane” within the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document (Regulation 18c). Our objection is based on first-hand experience of the site and its immediate surroundings, as frequent visitors to Bridge Farm, the neighbouring property. This gives us direct knowledge of the access arrangements and the characteristics of Water Lane. Highway Safety and Access Constraints Highway safety is our primary concern. Water Lane is a narrow, busy country road with very limited passing points. It has no footpaths or street lighting and is regularly used by walkers, dog walkers, and horse riders. The proposed access is immediately adjacent to the existing access serving Bridge Farm, where visibility is already severely restricted. Introducing additional traffic movements at this point would significantly increase the risk of accidents for all road users. The lane is not designed to accommodate the type and frequency of vehicle movements associated with a new site. The absence of safe pedestrian provision, combined with the rural character of the lane, creates an unacceptable conflict between vehicles and vulnerable road users. This is contrary to the principles of safe and sustainable access set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS), and the draft policies within this DPD. Flooding and Surface Water Issues Water Lane is prone to surface water accumulation, particularly near the junction with Roundwell, where flooding has occurred on multiple occasions. Any intensification of use would exacerbate these drainage issues and increase highway hazards during wet conditions. Context and Wider Safety Concerns The vulnerability of rural lanes to accidents is well documented. While not directly related to this site, the fatal accident on Thurnham Lane in 2024 illustrates the risks posed by narrow country roads with mixed traffic and no pedestrian infrastructure. Water Lane shares these characteristics, and adding further pressure to this network would be irresponsible. Landscape and Environmental Impact The site lies within the setting of the Kent Downs National Landscape (formerly AONB), an area afforded the highest level of landscape protection. As frequent walkers in the Kent Downs, we are acutely aware of its sensitivity and value. Development at this location would introduce a visually intrusive element into an otherwise rural and open landscape, undermining the DPD’s stated aim to safeguard landscape character and ecological integrity. Policy Conflict The proposed allocation conflicts with the DPD’s own principles of good design, residential amenity, and environmental protection. It fails to meet the tests of suitability and sustainability under the PPTS and NPPF, particularly in relation to safe access, landscape impact, and infrastructure capacity. Conclusion For these reasons, we strongly object to the inclusion of “The Lodge, Water Lane” as a potential site within the emerging plan. The combination of highway safety risks, flooding issues, and landscape harm makes this location wholly unsuitable for development.