Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

I write to formally object to the proposed Gypsy and Traveller site within the parish of Bearsted and Thurnham. This objection is based solely on material planning considerations and the proposal’s conflict with local and national planning policy. 1. Location and Sustainability Bearsted and Thurnham are rural villages with limited local services and facilities. The application site is poorly located in sustainability terms, with inadequate access to shops, schools, healthcare and employment opportunities. Public transport provision is limited, infrequent and unsuitable for meeting day-to-day needs. As a result, future occupiers would be heavily reliant on private vehicles, including larger vans and towing vehicles, which is contrary to the principles of sustainable development set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Maidstone Borough Local Plan policies which seek to direct development to accessible locations. 2. Highways and Access The local highway network consists of narrow rural roads which already experience congestion and safety issues, particularly at peak times. Visibility is restricted in places and many roads lack pavements, street lighting and safe crossing points. The proposed development would generate additional vehicle movements, including large vehicles, which would exacerbate existing highway safety concerns. The site access does not provide a safe or suitable point of access for the level and type of traffic generated, resulting in an increased risk to pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and other road users. 3. Landscape Impact and Rural Character The site lies within a sensitive rural landscape which contributes significantly to the character and setting of Bearsted and Thurnham. The introduction of caravans, hardstanding, fencing, lighting, parking and storage areas would result in the urbanisation of the countryside and cause lasting harm to the rural character of the area. This form of development would be visually intrusive and out of keeping with the surrounding landscape, conflicting with Maidstone Borough Local Plan policies that seek to protect the countryside from inappropriate development. 4. Environment and Ecology The site is bounded by hedgerows and open land which provide valuable habitat for wildlife. These features contribute to local biodiversity and act as wildlife corridors. The proposal risks habitat loss, disturbance and fragmentation through site clearance, increased activity and artificial lighting. In addition, the increase in hardstanding raises concerns regarding surface water drainage. Given existing drainage constraints in the area, the proposal could increase runoff and the risk of localised flooding, contrary to sustainable drainage principles. 5. Residential Amenity The proposal would have a detrimental impact on the amenity of nearby residents. Increased noise from vehicle movements, general site activity and external lighting would significantly alter the character of this quiet rural area. The scale and intensity of the use would also raise concerns regarding loss of privacy and increased disturbance, harming the quality of life of existing residents. 6. Cumulative Impact and Infrastructure Bearsted and Thurnham already face pressure on local infrastructure, including roads, schools, medical facilities and drainage systems. The introduction of a permanent residential site would place further strain on services that are not equipped to accommodate such development. The cumulative impact of this proposal, when combined with other development in the area, would lead to an unsustainable pattern of growth and further erosion of the villages’ rural character. Conclusion For the reasons outlined above, the proposed Gypsy and Traveller site represents inappropriate development in an unsustainable location. It would cause unacceptable harm to highway safety, landscape character, ecology, residential amenity and local infrastructure, and is therefore contrary to Maidstone Borough Council’s Local Plan and national planning policy. I respectfully request that Maidstone Borough Council refuses this application.