Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

Hello, my name is Charlotte and I'm a resident of Bearsted, and have been for 15+ years now. I am writing to you to object to the proposed site for Gypsies/travellers and showpeople. Firstly, this plan would result in degradation of our beautiful, healthy english countryside: regardless of your claims to maintain biodiversity, the introduction of development and a human populace to a thriving wildlife community would ineviteably wreak havoc on the natural ecosystems. This, to me and many other residents, is a huge concern as we all value our rural land, usually MORE than we value the busy urban areas. Maintenance of our rural areas is crucial for local mental health, providing places for local dog walking, exercise in the community, and allowing our natural world to thrive. I believe as our local form of government, you have a duty to preserve the welfare of the residents and nature in Bearsted. This does not prioritise these two categories. Secondly, the proposal for this site rightly raises concerns about the difference in cultural values, and the potential for mis-use by unintended groups. I and many others have never raised unauthorised settlements as being a significant problem in Bearsted, and I believe that the introduction of a Gypsy/Traveller site would actually only attract non-existing persons rather than accommodate existing ones. The authorisation of such community settlements should be entirely privatised and individual to the group- essentially, licensed. Additionally, the cultural differences between groups and differences in attitudes will likely create conflict in the community, and could indicate an increase in anti-social or even criminal behaviour, should the site begin to be used by people that you do not intend for. I hope that you will take my consideration into account. As a resident of Bearsted I believe it is a lovely place to live and direly needs protecting as a safe, beautiful, and rural area of Kent. Thank you.