Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

I am writing to formally object to the proposed allocation of site C4S (008) in Bearsted within the emerging Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document (DPD). Having reviewed the consultation documents (Document 4) alongside the Maidstone Borough Local Plan Review and relevant national planning policy, I do not consider that this site represents a suitable or sustainable location when assessed against the objectives of the wider development plan. 1. Conflict with Spatial Strategy and Sustainable Development Principles The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) places strong emphasis on directing development to sustainable locations that reduce reliance on the private car and make effective use of existing infrastructure. In addition, Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS) requires local authorities to ensure sites are located in sustainable locations with reasonable access to services. Site C4S (008) is poorly located in relation to key services, employment opportunities, and public transport. The location would result in a high level of car dependency, which conflicts with the sustainability objectives of both national policy and the Maidstone Local Plan Review. 2. Highway Safety and Access Constraints Water Lane as well as Thurnham Lane and the surrounding local road network are already constrained and experience traffic pressure. The roads are narrow, with limited capacity to safely accommodate increased vehicle movements, particularly larger vehicles. This raises legitimate highway safety concerns that are not adequately addressed through the site's inclusion in the plan. 3. Pressure on Local Infrastructure Local infrastructure in and around Bearsted, including schools, healthcare provision, drainage, and transport networks, is already operating close to capacity. The allocation of site C4S (008) does not demonstrate how the additional demand arising from this development would be mitigated, which is contrary to sound plan-making principles. 4. Harm to Character, Landscape, and Rural Setting The site forms part of the rural setting of Bearsted and contributes to its established character. Development of this nature would introduce an urbanising influence that would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area, contrary to Local Plan objectives that seek to protect the countryside and rural settlement patterns. While I recognise the Council's obligation to meet accommodation needs in accordance with the PPTS, this must be achieved through appropriately located and sustainable sites. In my view, site C4S (008) fails to meet these requirements and has not been sufficiently justified when compared to alternative locations. I therefore respectfully request that site C4S (008) be removed from the proposed allocations within the DPD.