Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

I am writing to register my formal objection to the proposed allocation of land on Water Lane in the Bearsted/Thurnham area for use as a gypsy and travellers’ site. While I acknowledge the importance of providing suitable accommodation, I believe this particular location is wholly inappropriate for development of this nature due to a number of serious concerns relating to safety, infrastructure, and the character of the surrounding area. Access and Road Safety Water Lane is a narrow rural road with poor visibility and very limited opportunities for passing. Its layout already poses significant risks to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. The seriousness of these risks was tragically highlighted by a recent fatal accident further along the lane involving two people and a dog. In addition, the road is susceptible to serve flooding, which further impairs visibility and also increases danger, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall/snow and ice when this melts. Any increase in traffic along this stretch would, in my view, materially worsen an already unsafe situation. Furthermore, Water Lane is in poor condition with potholes running the whole length of the route, an increase in traffic will only make this worse. Traffic and Congestion The wider road network serving Bearsted and Thurnham is already under considerable pressure, especially at peak times and during school drop-off and pick-up periods. Water Lane and the surrounding roads are not designed to accommodate increased traffic volumes, particularly larger vehicles. The establishment of a gypsy and travellers’ site would inevitably generate additional vehicle movements, intensifying congestion and heightening the likelihood of further accidents. This would place unacceptable strain on infrastructure that is already struggling to cope. In addition to this a number of houses whose boundary are adjacent to Water Lane are at risk of having their property taken by erosion already, this will only increase the chances with the increased volume of traffic taking away the soil and an increased risk of vehicles damaging the embankment and causing a land slide. This would be no small cost to put right and should such a landslide occur this will not only cause pain and misery to those directly involved but it would also mean that those who are wanting to use Water Lane would have to find alternative routes. Add to this that there is the railway line (Kent Downs line), any landslide involving this would be disastrous for a great many towns and villages that rely on this line that goes between Ashford and London. Environmental Impact The site is located within a largely rural landscape that is valued for its open character and environmental contribution. Development of this kind would undermine the rural identity of the area, replacing countryside with a more intrusive and urban form of land use. There are also significant concerns regarding the potential removal of established hedgerows and the loss of wildlife habitats they support. Given the area’s history of flooding, questions must also be raised about drainage capacity, as increased hard surfacing could worsen flood risk both on the site itself and for neighbouring land and properties. Impact on Residential Amenity The amenity and quality of life of existing residents would also be adversely affected. Increased traffic and site-related activity would lead to higher noise levels that are out of keeping with the quiet, rural nature of the area. Furthermore, the installation of artificial lighting would increase light pollution, affecting nearby homes and potentially disrupting local wildlife, particularly nocturnal species. Conclusion For the reasons outlined above, I consider the proposed allocation of land at The Lodge, Water Lane for a gypsy and travellers’ site to be unsuitable. The issues relating to road safety, congestion, environmental sensitivity, and residential amenity are substantial and, in my opinion, cannot be adequately mitigated. I therefore urge the planning authority to reconsider this proposal and to explore alternative locations that do not give rise to such significant adverse impacts. Thank you for taking this objection into account. I would appreciate confirmation of receipt and would welcome being kept informed of any further progress or decisions relating to this proposal.