Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

I’m writing to formally object to the proposed traveller site at Water Lane, Bearsted. I fully understand the need for a site for families from these cultures to have access to, but Water Lane is inappropriate for so many reasons. Firstly, this is a narrow country lane in a rural location surrounded by farmland where saloon sized cars struggle to pass in places. This lane is inaccessible for large vehicles such as caravans/mobile homes and lorry’s. In addition, there are no footpaths so safety of pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and other road users would be severely compromised by the additional traffic a site like this would elicit. Very sadly a couple lost their lives in 2024 on a similar road that runs parallel with Water Lane. The thought of something similar happening on Water Lane due to an inconsiderate and irresponsible decision to agree to this site, is both abhorrent and completely avoidable. The road at times is impassable due to severe flooding resulting from poor drainage which is well documented over many years. Further dwellings would place further strain on an already compromised drainage system and the infrastructure is simply not present. The village is often congested especially if there is an incident on the M20 and also due to additional housing and associated traffic that has occurred in the past 10 years. Excessive permissions have been granted for new building that without additional infrastructure ie road maintenance and GP surgeries, has adversely affected village inhabitants. The addition of a site such as this would further compromise the health not only the new inhabitants but also existing members of the Bearsted village community, as GP surgeries are closed to new applicants. Meeting the needs of underserved communities and reducing Health inequalities are a priority as part of the 10 year plan. A traveller site on Water Lane would be prohibitive to health care access for all of the reasons mentioned above.