Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

I am writing to formally object to the proposal for a Gypsy, Traveller and travelling showpeople site at The Brishings, Green Lane, Langley Heath, Maidstone. As a resident in XXXX this proposed development would have a massive negative impact on the character of the neighbourhood, local infrastructure, and the quality of life for residents. The perceived or real concerns from media reports where these sites have been allowed would cause huge anxiety and mental trauma to the locals both in their homes and around the area particularly after dark. Langley Heath is not in an area identified as suitable for growth regarding new residential development under the council’s spatial strategy in the recently adopted MBC Local Plan Review 2021-2038. It is located beyond any settlement boundary and is therefore in the countryside. The site is therefore contrary to policy LPRSS1 of the MBCLPR. The MBCLPR 2021-2038 includes policies to protect and enhance the character of the countryside and prevent inappropriate development that would harm the landscape. This proposal would be incompatible with the spacious rural character of the area and be contrary to policies LPRSP9, LPRSP15 and LPRQD4. These policies, amongst other things, require development to “respond positively to, and where possible, enhance the local distinctiveness and character of the area and avoid significant harm to the landscape”. The proposal has no explicit mention of balancing Traveller needs with the rights and quality of life of existing communities, which undermines the fairness and inclusivity the plan claims to promote. My specific concerns are as follows: 1. Impact on Local Infrastructure: The current local infrastructure, lack of schools, shops, healthcare, waste management and extremely limited public transport services would not be able to tolerate any new influx of residents. It is currently impossible to register at the local medical practice because it is already at full capacity. The addition of new sites will also place further strain on the electricity, water and sewage supplies which are already struggling shown by the current water outage. We already suffer from multiple power cuts so any more demand on the system must adversely affect it. I have seen no evidence that adequate measures have been considered to address any of these issues. This would all be contrary to the Aims and Policy SS1 of the MBC Local Plan (2017), contrary to the MBC Local Plan Review (March 2024) policies LPRSS1, LPRSP9, LPRSP15, LPRHOU1 and the NPPF (2023) and the Sustainability Aims of the National Planning Framework (2023) 2. Environmental and Aesthetic Impact: There is concern regarding the removal of green spaces and trees, which could impact the flooding issues in the area. In addition, the proposal would introduce an uncharacteristic residential development to the immediate area which would be highly visible from the surrounding roads and negatively impact the rural character of Langley Heath. Your own reply to planning application 14/0545 refuses permission as it would “result in significant harm to the rural character of the area while compromising the function for the southern anti coalescence belt, ENV32”. 3. Impact on Local Traffic, Access and Parking: The proposed development would increase traffic on Green Lane, which is only a single-track lane with no designated passing places and with a dangerous junction at the western end. The local roads, particularly Green Lane are wholly unsuitable for the large lorry towed caravans that the travellers tend to have and who also require wide access areas. It would also increase traffic volumes in the surrounding area including Leeds Road which is already unsuitable for the volume of traffic using it daily. Five Wents cross roads is a serious gridlock and could not cope with even more traffic as proven when the Loose Rd was recently closed. The effects of increased traffic on Green Lane have been demonstrated in recent months whilst surrounding roads have been shut. Green Lane became unsuitable for use by residents to walk along due to the excess speed, trees were damaged due to large vehicles trying to use the unsuitable narrow road and extensive damage to the grass verges resulting in mud and stones causing dangerous conditions. 4. Impact on Local Housing The proposal will negatively affect the visual appeal of this rural area and almost certainly reduce property values; indeed, it may trap residents because they are unable to sell. We understand that property values are not a material planning consideration but that needs to be reviewed because of the real effect on residents’ mental health and material wellbeing. The Old Farmhouse and Ye Old Cottage form an historical group of listed Grade 2 buildings which are part of an isolated cluster of dwellings immediately adjacent to the site. Your rejection of planning 14/0545 quotes that new buildings would “adversely effect the setting of the listed buildings and are contrary to NPPF 2012 relating to the need to safeguard the character and setting of designated heritage assets”. Your own heritage officers are very aware of maintaining the historical environment. There is also a row of six Victorian cottages opposite the site which would be adversely affected. Developing this site would severely weaken the identity, character and setting of all these buildings. The development of this site would be higher than some of the existing houses. This is a significant concern as it could substantially reduce the privacy and enjoyment of these homes. 5.Noise and Disruption: The construction process and subsequent increase in the number of people living in the area will likely cause noise, disruption and pollution which could degrade the overall quality of life in the area. Real or perceived reports of anti-social behaviour, crime, and fly tipping associated with these sites need to be taken into account. The travelling community have their own ways and traditions which they wish to freely adhere to and placing them on top of other communities is going to cause conflict and unrest for all parties concerned. The only sensible solution is to seek a location where the gypsy travelling community can live freely and are able to continue with their traditions and desired ways of living, this being somewhere away from already established living communities. This I believe would be a shared feeling by all parties concerned. In conclusion, for a site that has previously been deemed unsuitable by a council multiple times for residential development, it is contradictory, to say the least, that it should be considered for approval in any subsequent proposal made by that very same council. In light of the above points, I respectfully request that the council refuse this as a suitable site.Thank you for considering my views.