Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

Why should the financial gain of one individual be allowed to adversely affect an entire village? The Parish Council has consistently resisted residential development north of the railway line in our village, recognising that approval in this area would inevitably open the floodgates to further applications. Water Lane itself has no street lighting, no footpaths, and is prone to regular flooding, making it unsafe for pedestrians. We are all painfully aware of the tragic deaths of Sue and Tom Corkery on Thurnham Lane, which underline the very real dangers of inadequate infrastructure. The owner of The Lodge has, over several years, repeatedly attempted to achieve a sale price far in excess of the property’s realistic market value. Previous proposals for redevelopment of the site have been rejected by planning authorities. Now, as a final attempt to extract value from the land, it is being offered for use as a travellers’ site. Historically, local authorities have demonstrated a lack of effective enforcement when it comes to controlling the number of occupants on travellers’ sites, too often choosing to overlook breaches. While all communities deserve fair treatment, there are legitimate concerns regarding compliance, and I am deeply worried about the potential impact on the landscape, environment, and ecology of this site, which lies within an area of natural beauty. I am an estate agent with an office in the village, and we have already encountered reservations from prospective buyers who are reconsidering moving here due to the possibility of a travellers’ site on Water Lane. The effect on the local property market would be significant, damaging, and far-reaching. Finally, if this location were genuinely suitable for redevelopment, planning permission would not have been refused in the past. We are now faced with the prospect of a travellers’ site with an unknown number of residents and little clarity or control over its eventual size or scale. This uncertainty poses serious concerns for the safety, character, and future of our village.