Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

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POLICY C4S (008) – The Lodge, Water Lane, Thurnham We would like to comment on the above proposed site allocation only. The following points highlight the unsuitability of the site: Access: The access is currently shared with the neighbouring property and runs very close to their house which could lead to privacy and noise issues. The existing access has poor sight lines onto Water Lane. If the access was moved to the north, visibility and sight lines would be even worse due to the native hedgerows and protected mature oak trees. There is insufficient width for manoeuvring large vehicles, which would not comply with the requirements set out in the document. Water Lane is extremely narrow with high banks on either side at the southern end and a narrow railway bridge situated on a bend in the road. This would be difficult for static mobile homes or other large vehicles to navigate. Water Lane often floods at the southern end, by water flowing from nearby fields so does not provide a safe route for vehicles or pedestrians. There are few places wide enough to accommodate vehicles to pass, which would create problems for access for static and towed caravans, especially as the road is used by horse boxes which access the riding school. There is no footpath or lighting, and the road is often flooded or icy and provides no safe route for children to walk to school, or for other pedestrians. Character of the Area: The site is located within the setting of the North Downs National Landscape. If the hedgerows or trees were removed, it would change and cause harm to the character of the area. Bearsted Parish Council also fully support the comments made by The Bearsted & Thurnham Society.