Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a Gypsy and Traveller site near my property. As a resident of this village looking out to this proposed location. I am deeply concerned about the significant negative impact this development would have on our community, the local environment, and the quality of life for long-standing residents who, like myself, have worked hard to live in this area. 1. Impact on the Village’s Social Cohesion and Character: Our village is a close-knit, high-tax paying community where residents have invested both financially and emotionally in maintaining the peaceful, residential atmosphere that makes this area so desirable. Many of us moved here specifically because of the quiet, stable environment, and the sense of security and community that defines this village. The introduction of a Gypsy and Traveller site would undermine these qualities and create divisions within the community. We work hard to live in this area, and our property investments reflect that. We should not be expected to accommodate a site that would drastically alter the character of the village and introduce challenges that we did not sign up for when choosing to live here. We are hardworking people who take pride in our homes and the community we are part of. This proposed development would undermine the very reasons many of us chose this village in the first place. 2. Concerns About the Village Green and Local Amenities: Currently, some members of the Gypsy and Traveller community already make use of horse and cart and bicycles around the village green, and this has become a growing concern. The sight of horses and carts tethered around the green, as well as cyclists riding at high speeds, creates an eyesore and a safety hazard. The village green is meant to be a space for all residents to enjoy, but these activities disrupt the peaceful environment that makes it a central part of village life. The introduction of a permanent site would undoubtedly increase these issues, making the village green an unsafe and unpleasant place to be. This would not only affect the aesthetic quality of the village but also the safety of children, the elderly, and other residents who enjoy the area. The disruptions caused by this activity are simply unacceptable for those of us who work hard to live in a safe and quiet environment. 3. Impact on Property Values and Financial Investment: Many of us have made significant financial investments in our homes, and the value of these properties is directly linked to the peaceful, residential nature of the village. The presence of a Gypsy and Traveller site near our homes would likely result in decreased property values. We have worked hard to live in a place that offers stability, security, and a family-friendly atmosphere. A permanent site in close proximity would diminish the attractiveness of the area to future buyers, and would lead to a reduction in property values leaving hardworking homeowners like myself with a diminished financial investment. 4. Strain on Local Infrastructure and Services: Our village already has limited infrastructure, and the addition of a Gypsy and Traveller site would put further strain on roads, public services, and utilities. The narrow, rural roads are not built to accommodate increased traffic, and the already stretched local amenities, such as schools and medical services, would be further burdened. We are already struggling with the demands of living in a small village with limited resources, and this proposed development would only exacerbate the situation. 5. The Principle of Mobility and Alternative Locations: It’s important to recognize that Gypsy and Traveller communities have historically led a nomadic lifestyle. Their needs are best met by temporary, flexible accommodations that allow for mobility, not by placing a permanent site in a village that already has an established, stable community. There are alternative locations that would be better suited to meeting the needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community, without imposing significant negative effects on long-term residents who have worked hard to live in this area. 6. Potential for Social Tensions and Divisions: The introduction of a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site in the heart of our village could lead to social tensions. There are already significant cultural differences between some of the existing residents and the way of life proposed by this development, which could lead to misunderstanding, disruption, and potential conflict. The harmony and cohesion of the village would be at risk, and this could lead to a decline in overall community morale and quality of life. In conclusion, I strongly urge the planning committee to reconsider the proposed site for this development. The impact on our community, local infrastructure, property values, and the overall quality of life for hardworking residents is too significant to ignore. This is a village where we have all invested both financially and emotionally, and we should not be expected to bear the burden of a development that would change the very character of the area. Thank you for considering my objections. I trust the committee will give these concerns the serious attention they deserve when making their decision. I completely support our local MP Helen Whateley in opposing this site.