Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

I am writing to formally object to the inclusion of site reference C4S (008) – The Lodge, Water Lane in the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document (DPD) currently out for consultation. While I appreciate the need for the Borough to meet accommodation requirements for all communities, I believe this specific site raises significant planning, environmental and safety concerns that make it unsuitable for allocation. My reasons for objecting are set out below: 1. Inadequate Highway Access The only access to The Lodge is via Water Lane, a narrow country lane not designed to accommodate frequent or large vehicle movements. The restricted width and rural character of Water Lane would lead to: Increased highway safety risks for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians; Difficulties for larger vehicles (including emergency vehicles, service vehicles and site-related traffic) to enter and exit safely; Greater potential for conflict and damage to the rural road structure. The limited access is a clear constraint on the suitability of this site for intensified residential use and raises substantial concerns under national and local planning policy regarding safe and suitable access. 2. Visual Impact on the Kent Downs National Landscape The proposed site lies within the setting of the Kent Downs National Landscape, an area recognised for its special scenic, cultural and environmental value. Development at The Lodge would: Detract from views across the landscape, eroding the character and openness which define the National Landscape; Set a precedent for further encroachment of development into sensitive rural and landscape areas; Be visually intrusive given the elevated and open nature of much of the surrounding countryside. Protecting designated landscapes from harmful visual impacts is a core planning consideration in both national policy and the emerging DPD. Development here would undermine those aims and be contrary to the statutory landscape protections afforded to the Kent Downs. 3. Impact on Protected Oak Trees It is my understanding that the site includes several mature Oak trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). These trees are important not only for their ecological value but also for their contribution to: Local biodiversity and habitat continuity; Ancient woodland character and landscape integrity; Community amenity and environmental quality. Allocating the site for development would risk damage or loss to these protected trees, particularly during site preparation and construction, and would compromise the long-term viability of protected woodland features. This would directly conflict with the Council’s own landscape and biodiversity protection policies. Conclusion For the reasons outlined above, I request that site C4S (008) – The Lodge be removed from the emerging Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople DPD and that alternative sites with fewer access constraints, lower landscape sensitivity, and no protected trees are considered to meet accommodation needs. I trust that the Council will give full and careful consideration to the significant concerns raised by local residents and other consultees in respect of this site. Thank you for taking my comments into account.