Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

I am writing to voice my concerns over the new plans to introduce a Traveller Site on the outskirts of Bearsted. This is a historic village that has a unique community feel that has been in existence for hundreds of years. My firm belief is that the strategy around various planning applications for Bearsted and other areas should be to maintain and protect villages with unique character dotted around Maidstone as they are what gives the county it’s charm, attracts tourists and is something to be proud of. Introduction of traveller sites, excessive house building and so forth seems unnecessary when there must be so many other available options. Here are some of my primary concerns. The area is becoming overcrowded and with recent housing developments down Barty Way and Roundwell, schools, roads and other such infrastructure is really at breaking point. The are shown is accessed via the village by small country lanes and this does not seem suitable for caravan convoys and larger equipment associated with travelling show people. The area suggested is one of great natural beauty that harbours so many of our local wildlife species and I fear this, along with dwindling hedgerows, will be irreversible impacted. The local pubs and restaurants, particularly the Oak on the Green and Fish on The Green, have become a focal point for much of the county to come and enjoy. There is a unique atmosphere in these places and this could be damaged. There is a genuine concern amongst that this would bring antisocial behaviour. Already the pool area at Tudor Park Hotel on the A20 becomes a no-go area in the summer when the Traveller Communities take over, behaving aggressively. I don’t think these concerns should be taken lightly. I would like to re-iterate my thoughts over strategy. Is the planning team looking to preserve the unique heritage and feel of some of Kents best spots or destroy it? It seems to me that in an area of outstanding natural beauty, where we have tree preservation orders in multiple areas and things like door colours and “in keeping” materials must be used, we are so blasey about other planning considerations that could have equally or worse consequences for the area.