Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding the proposed Traveller site at Bearsted. While I fully recognise the importance of providing suitable and lawful accommodation for all communities, I strongly believe that this particular location is not appropriate and could have significant adverse implications for Bearsted as a quiet rural village. Bearsted has limited infrastructure and public services, including narrow road networks, restricted public transport, and already stretched local amenities such as healthcare and schooling. The introduction of a development of this nature risks placing additional strain on facilities that are not designed to support increased demand. Traffic and highway safety are also a serious concern. Many roads in and around Bearsted are narrow, residential, and unsuited to larger or increased vehicle movements. This could pose safety risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and residents, particularly during peak times. Furthermore, Bearsted is valued for its rural character, historic setting, and peaceful environment. A development that is out of scale with the existing settlement risks altering the character of the village and negatively impacting the quality of life for residents who have chosen to live here because of its tranquillity. I respectfully urge the Council to reconsider this proposal and to explore alternative locations that are better suited in terms of infrastructure, accessibility, and capacity, and which align more appropriately with local planning policies. Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns. I trust that these points will be given due weight as part of the decision-making process.