Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

As a resident of Bearsted and Thurnham, I’m formally opposing the planning request to have a Gypsy & Traveller site on Water Lane. My view is based on a number of factors: - Lack of supporting services in Bearsted. The doctors surgery here is already currently oversubscribed. They would not be able to support additional residents. There aren’t any available NHS dentists in the area. - How will you provide maternity services to those on the site? Are the council aware and happy that those using the site, would need to travel to Pembury for maternity care, as there’s no longer a delivery ward at Maidstone hospital. - Schools are oversubscribed. The nursery care here is oversubscribed with prices being paid way above the national average. How will the council support those with children living on site? - Bearsted is often used as a “rat run” for those wishing to take a detour when the M20 is congested. Have the council considered the traffic and the risk to those using the travellers site? - Water Lane often floods due to very poor drainage. Have the council considered the ability to build on this land, the impact on the drainage systems and living conditions for those living on the site? My belief is that our small, congested, busy village, isn’t suitable for a traveller site due to all of the reasons above.