Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Strongly disagree

Objection to Policy C4S (008) – The Lodge I strongly object to the allocation of this site for the following material planning reasons: 1. Severe Highway Safety Risks and Inadequate Access (NPPF Para 110-111) The access to the site via Water Lane and the approach via Roundwell are fundamentally unsuitable for the proposed intensification of use. Constraint on Approach (Roundwell): The only access to Water Lane is via Roundwell. This road is heavily constrained by on-street residential parking, which effectively reduces the carriageway to a single lane for significant stretches. Traffic flow is already "stop-start," relying on vehicles waiting in gaps to let others pass. The introduction of wide towing vehicles (caravans) into this environment would be dangerous; they would struggle to navigate the narrowed space and would likely cause gridlock if they met oncoming traffic, as they cannot easily reverse or tuck into small gaps between parked cars. Inadequate Width of Water Lane: Beyond Roundwell, Water Lane itself is a narrow, rural single-track road with no passing places. It is significantly narrower than the 3.7m width recommended for caravan site access roads in Model Standards. Conflict with Towing Vehicles: The road width makes it impossible for a standard car and a towing vehicle (caravan) to pass safely without one vehicle reversing significant distances blindly on a public highway. Conflict with Vulnerable Users: There are no footpaths, verges, or street lighting on Water Lane. The lane is frequently used by pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. Intensifying vehicular movements—particularly large towing vehicles—on this constrained lane would create an unacceptable conflict and risk to vulnerable road users, failing the NPPF requirement for "safe and suitable access." 2. Unsustainable Location The site is located in a rural position with poor access to local services (schools, shops, GP surgeries) by foot or public transport. Future residents would be entirely reliant on private motor vehicles for day-to-day needs. This contradicts the Council’s own sustainability objectives and national policy, which directs development to locations where the need to travel is minimised. 3. Impact on Rural Character and Amenity The proposed development would harm the rural character of the area. Water Lane is defined by its ancient banks and mature hedgerows. The physical works required to achieve safe visibility splays and access (such as removing hedgerows or widening the access) would have a detrimental visual impact on the street scene. Furthermore, the intensification of activity and vehicle movements in this quiet rural location would result in noise and disturbance that negatively impact the residential amenity of neighbouring properties. Conclusion: For these reasons, the site is unsuitable for allocation and should be removed from the Development Plan Document.