Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

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Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Plan – Regulation 18 Consultation Linton Parish Council supports and agrees with the response submitted by the Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC) in respect of the Regulation 18 consultation on the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Plan. The Parish Council endorses the points made within that submission, including concerns about the accuracy of the assessed need, the proposed trajectory, and the need for stronger and more enforceable planning policies. The Parish Council shares KALC’s concern that previous experience following the 2017 Local Plan Review demonstrates that planning permissions for Gypsy and Traveller pitches significantly exceeded assessed need, and that without stronger policies, monitoring and enforcement, this situation is likely to be repeated. In addition, Linton Parish Council wishes to raise concerns regarding infrastructure provision. During a recent open planning forum relating to application reference 24/504496/FULL (Beacon Park), Maidstone Borough Council officers stated that the Council has no control over infrastructure providers and that it is for those providers to “catch up”. The Parish Council considers this to be a serious issue. It highlights the ongoing problem of development coming forward without the necessary supporting infrastructure being in place. This includes health services, education provision and other essential facilities. Linton Parish Council is concerned that further site allocations or approvals, including Gypsy and Traveller sites, in the absence of confirmed infrastructure capacity will place additional strain on existing communities in Linton and surrounding parishes, including Loose and Coxheath. It will also disadvantage Gypsy and Traveller families by placing them in areas where access to essential services is already limited. The Parish Council therefore strongly supports the position set out in the KALC draft response that infrastructure capacity and deliverability must be a key requirement before any further site allocations or planning permissions are progressed through this Plan.