Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Nothing chosen

Thurnham Parish Council submits this formal representation to Maidstone Borough Council in response to the Regulation 18c consultation on the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document (DPD). Following consideration at its meeting on 8 December 2025 and having taken into account matters raised by residents during public participation, the Parish Council objects to the inclusion of the proposed site at Water Lane within the parish. The Parish Council’s objection is based on material planning considerations and is set out below. 1. Highway Safety and Access The Parish Council considers the Water Lane site to be fundamentally unsuitable in highway terms. Water Lane is a narrow rural lane with steep gradients, blind bends and no footways or pedestrian safety infrastructure. The geometry of the road is constrained and unsuitable for the regular movement of towed caravans, service vehicles or larger domestic vehicles associated with the proposed use. The road is also used by pedestrians, equestrians and recreational users accessing nearby public rights of way and the wider countryside. Increased vehicle movements would materially increase risk to vulnerable road users. The Parish Council considers that safe and suitable access has not been demonstrated and that any highway improvements required to accommodate the site would themselves result in unacceptable environmental harm. 2. Flood Risk and Surface Water Management The Parish Council has significant concerns regarding surface water flooding along Water Lane during periods of heavy rainfall. Water Lane is known locally to act as a conduit for surface water run-off, with recent flooding events rendering sections of the road difficult or unsafe to use. The introduction of additional hardstanding and increased site activity would be likely to exacerbate surface water run-off, erosion of roadside banks and downstream flooding. The Parish Council considers that insufficient weight has been given to local flood risk and cumulative drainage impacts. 3. Infrastructure Constraints and Deliverability The Parish Council notes that the site is not served by essential infrastructure, including mains sewerage, gas supply or confirmed adequate water provision. The absence of basic infrastructure raises serious concerns regarding deliverability, long-term sustainability and reliance on private or non-standard solutions. In addition, the Parish Council understands that restrictive covenants may apply to the land, which could present legal and practical barriers to development. These unresolved constraints further undermine confidence in the site’s deliverability. 4. Landscape Impact and Rural Character The site lies within a sensitive rural landscape, formerly designated as a Special Landscape Area and closely associated with the wider Kent Downs landscape. The Parish Council considers that the introduction of caravans, hardstanding, fencing, utility structures and associated domestic paraphernalia would result in an urbanising impact that would harm the intrinsic character and appearance of the countryside. The Council also notes the likelihood of increased light pollution and visual intrusion, including from nearby public rights of way. 5. Biodiversity and Trees The Parish Council understands that the site contains mature and veteran trees, some of which are subject to Tree Preservation Orders. The intensification of use, introduction of hardstanding and increased vehicle movements present a risk to root protection zones, soil structure and irreplaceable habitats. The Parish Council is not satisfied that the site can realistically achieve meaningful biodiversity net gain given its constraints. 6. Sustainability and Access to Services The Parish Council considers the site to be poorly located in sustainability terms. The site is physically separated from schools, medical facilities, shops and other key services. Public transport provision is limited, and the lack of safe walking and cycling routes would result in heavy reliance on private vehicles, particularly affecting children, older residents and those with limited mobility. 7. Proportionality and Cumulative Impact The Parish Council is concerned about the cumulative impact of existing and proposed traveller sites within the wider area and whether sufficient weight has been given to proportionality in relation to the size, character and infrastructure capacity of the local community. Conclusion For the reasons set out above, Thurnham Parish Council considers that the proposed Water Lane site fails to meet key tests of suitability, safety, sustainability and deliverability and should not be included within the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document. The Parish Council respectfully requests that Maidstone Borough Council remove the Water Lane site from further consideration and give due weight to the local evidence and planning concerns outlined in this representation.