Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document
Search form responses
Results for Mrs Ellen Richter search
New searchWhilst I understand the need to find land available in the countryside, this has meant disproportionately affecting smaller settlements. For example, nearly 90% students in Ulcombe primary school are from traveller families. This level of overrepresentation in smaller villages and hamlets impacts on integration of the settled and traveller community, without commensurate benefits from community impact levies in terms of improved transport links, extended social provisions etc.
This approach may be suitable in some areas/in relation to some sites. However in certain areas such Pye Corner the number of sites already exceeds an appropriate balance between thenumber of pitches and thenumber of settled residences, and this approach would likely lead to substantial further sites in the area. Traveller sites are dominating the landscape in the area, for example on the Lenham Road between Headcorn and Eastwood Road
Permanent sites are part of the formal environment in the same way as permanent settled residences and should be treated as such; the residents may travel but have a social tie to the area. I support the safeguarding of these sites.
There is not enough information to comment fully on this, plus with the 'Call for Sites' still open it is impossible to gauge the impact on each area.
I do not know each site well enough to comment fully, but it is clear that there are several sites very closely located, and the impact of this on nearby facilities should be considered.
A permanent, Council owned site is a good idea because these sites seem to improve social cohesion between the Gypsy and Traveller and settled communities. A third location outside the two areas would seem sensible. However, the size of the site (ie not exceeding 20 pitches) should not be simply a consideration of the Gypsy or Traveller community, but should take into consideration the views - and amenity impact - on the settled community in the area too. To only consider one viewpoint impacts on community relationships.
By linking site development to family links, you are encouraging larger sites in areas which already have large sites, regardless of sustainability or impact on the current Gypsy and Traveller community or settled community. This also creates separate communities who do not interact because there is no social need to do so if you are co-located, by choice, with family members. A desire to be close to family extends beyond the Gypsy and Traveller communities, but cannot be a planning right. Furthermore, points b) and c) are consistently disregarded in current planning decision (for example Pye Corner is dominated by sites, and this area has no footpaths or public transport to link them to shops or medical facilities). More robust policy needs to be in place and enforced to ensure that areas with a greater density of sites currently are not expected to absorb more, due to the limited facilities available.
Although windfall sites may provide positive opportunities in some cases, this policy does not see to take into account the impact on the settled community, the impact on pre-existing Gypsy or Traveller sites, the impact on local resources. Windfall sites should have a maximum number of pitches in the planning (so no community is suddenly facing an increase of eg 30 plus families with extremely limited grounds for objection) and should be required to be a minimum distance from other sites to ensure there is no 'sprawl' and each site retains its distinct identity. The policy on windfall sites should be enhanced.
It is important for everyone to be in positive surroundings and having a well-planned site will benefit all residents, whether they are temporary or permanent. I do think, however, that for some sites brick road boundaries (to main roads) may be more appropriate eg for safety and security of children and animals. Many rural 'bricks and mortar' properties have brick frontages, so in some places it may be in keeping with the location. Green spaces and adequate facilities should be a basic expectation of any new development, whether Gypsy or Traveller, or settled.
