Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

I am writing to formally object to the proposed allocation of Site C4S (008) at The Lodge, Water Lane, Bearsted/Thurnham, within the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document. I am a local resident living in close proximity to the proposed site and consider that the allocation is unsound when assessed against established planning policy and material considerations. Highways Safety and Access The proposed access via Water Lane is inappropriate for the level and nature of traffic likely to be generated by a permanent site. Water Lane is a narrow rural road with constrained width, poor forward visibility in places and a restricted approach beneath the railway bridge. The road already experiences congestion and safety issues. The proposal therefore conflicts with highway safety principles and fails to demonstrate that safe and suitable access can be achieved, contrary to national planning policy. Sustainability and Accessibility The site is located in an unsustainable position, remote from key services, facilities and public transport. Future occupiers would be heavily dependent on private vehicles for day-to-day needs, which conflicts with the objectives of sustainable development and the requirement to locate development in accessible locations. Landscape Character and Visual Harm The site lies within an open rural landscape that contributes positively to the character and appearance of the area. The introduction of development in this location would result in an unacceptable urbanising effect, causing harm to landscape character and visual amenity. This harm has not been adequately justified or mitigated. Impact on Residential Amenity There are existing residential properties in close proximity to the site. The proposed allocation raises significant concerns regarding adverse impacts on residential amenity, including noise, artificial lighting, increased activity and loss of privacy. Such impacts would be inconsistent with the established quiet and semi-rural character of the area. Cumulative Impact and Infrastructure Capacity The Bearsted area is already subject to cumulative development pressures, particularly in relation to highways, healthcare and education provision. The allocation of this site would exacerbate existing infrastructure constraints, and no clear or robust evidence has been provided to demonstrate that local services have the capacity to accommodate additional demand. While I recognise the need for the Council to make appropriate provision for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation, this does not outweigh the clear planning harm identified above. In my view, the proposed allocation of Site C4S (008) is not justified, not sustainable and not consistent with planning policy. I therefore respectfully request that the Council removes this site from the plan and considers alternative locations that are more suitable and sustainable.