Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

I wish to lodge an objection to the proposed Gypsy & Traveller site located at The Lodge, Water Lane, Bearsted (Thurnham), reference C4S (008). Water Lane is a narrow country lane used by walkers and horse riders daily. Increased traffic, particularly large vehicles transporting horses or caravans, increases the potential for a serious accident, similar to the one seen in Thurnham Lane in 2024 where 2 dog walker and their pets were killed after being hit by a car. Also, Water Lane regularly floods and in the winter is very icy, which causes further risks to users. The site is in an area of the Kent Downs and building structures will interfere with the visual impact of this landscape. There are also a number of important Oak trees on the potential site which are subject to Tree Preservation Orders. Owners of these protected trees must not carry out or permit damage to them. It is hard to see how the trees will remain unaffected by any development. In addition to the protected trees there is a wealth of wildlife in this area which would be adversely affected. The Bearsted & Thurnham area has seen 2 recent developments and it is hard to see how the local infrastructure can sustain further development One further point, quite rightly the council expect comments regarding the proposed development to be factual and not driven by an emotional response. However, Tony Harwood has written a foreword to the planning document which recalls his childhood and fond memories. Surely this is a breach of the council’s own regulations.