Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

Letter of Objection to the proposal of a Gypsy and Travelling site Water Lane Thurnham. Location and Sustainability Schools in Bearsted are already oversubscribed and long standing residents of Bearsted and Thurnham would lose places at the school as catchment changes to include this new developments in Water Lane. Local medical services are at breaking point with many local residents now not being able to access NHS services. Highway’s and Access Water lane has a known and historic history of flooding. This is despite extra works being taken with the development of Barty Fam and the new development at Lilk Meadow. The road is also narrow and doesn’t allow for 2 car width for the majority of the lane. There is also a riding stables at the top of Water Lane with horses daily frequenting Water Lane down to Roundwell. The exit from Water Lane to the north is onto Pilgrims Way. Which is an ancient coaching road and is certainly unsuitable for extra traffic. This route is often used by hikers via Water Lane. Landscape Impact It is accepted that Bearsted and Thurnham is situated in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is no doubt that a traveller site what have a detrimental effect on this rural character. Environment and Ecology There is a reason why Water Lane has received its title. There is already considerable flooding at the bottom of the lane and in cold weather the water draining of the field often freeze’s. Travelling up and down the lane is hazardous and we should all be aware of the recent fatalities on Thurhnam Lane which could so easily be repeated on Water Lane. There is no doubt that the proposed site would have a significant impact on the negativity of wildlife in the hedgerows. Residential Amenity The more people travelling through the village would result in increased noise, lighting and reduction in privacy. Cumulative impact Overall the pressures of having the provision of a Traveller site would have a massive negative impact on the village. Living on XXXX we have seen the increase in traffic and speed of the vehicles especially in the last 5 years. This will only get worse with bringing in another development of the size planned. We urge the Borough Council to exclude the Water Lane site from its development plans.