Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

C4S (008) I wish to register a formal objection to the proposed conversion of the current property into a Traveller site. My concerns relate to issues of cumulative impact, local capacity, and proportionality, all of which are material planning considerations. 1. Disproportionate Concentration in Maidstone Borough According to data published by Maidstone Borough Council, the borough already has the highest Gypsy and Traveller population of any local authority area in England and Wales, with 1,009 usual residents identified. This equates to 5.74 Gypsy and Traveller residents per 1,000 population, compared with a national average of just 1.06 per 1,000. This demonstrates that Maidstone is already accommodating a significantly higher proportion of Traveller sites than most areas nationally. Approving further provision in this location risks creating an unbalanced distribution of sites, contrary to the principle of fair and sustainable dispersal across local authorities. 2. Cumulative Impact on Local Services and Infrastructure Given the already high concentration of sites in the borough, additional development of this nature may place further pressure on: Local road networks Health and education services Waste and utilities infrastructure Community support services Planning policy requires councils to consider whether an area is already hosting more than its fair share of a particular type of development. In this case, the cumulative impact is a legitimate concern. 3. Need for Strategic, Plan‑Led Provision National planning guidance emphasises that Traveller site provision should be plan‑led, ensuring that sites are allocated in sustainable, suitable locations with appropriate access to services. Ad‑hoc applications outside the plan‑making process risk undermining the borough’s strategic approach and may lead to clustering in areas already under pressure. Given Maidstone’s existing high provision, any further sites should be considered only through the Local Plan process, where need, distribution, and sustainability can be assessed comprehensively and required resources are already available. 4. Impact on Local Character and Land Use The proposed change of use from a single residence to a Traveller site represents a significant shift in land use. The impact on: Rural character Landscape setting Neighbouring amenity should be carefully weighed. Where an area is already accommodating a disproportionate number of similar developments, the cumulative effect on local character becomes a material planning concern. Conclusion This application must be assessed in the context of Maidstone’s already exceptionally high level of Traveller site provision. The borough is demonstrably exceeding national averages, and further intensification risks creating an unsustainable and inequitable concentration. For these reasons, I respectfully request that the planning authority refuse the application.