Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document
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New searchThe KDNL team is supportive of much of the spatial strategy of this DPD, however we consider that the proposed spatial strategy does not accord with the statutory duty on the Council contained in the LURA Act 2023 that, in carrying out its plan making functions, it must seek to further the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the Kent Downs and High Weald National Landscapes. We therefore request that paragraph 79 be amended. While it is the case that "The countryside has an intrinsic rural character and beauty that should be conserved and protected for its own sake" significant areas of the countryside within the borough fall within National Landscapes where national policy is clear 'great weight' should be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty and where the scale and extent of development should be limited. This should be clearly set out here.
The KDNL team strongly objects to the proposed allocation of Site LPR (256) Stede Row Woodland, South of Pilgrims Way. This site lies within the Kent Downs National Landscape where national policy is clear that great weight should be given to the conserving and enhancing of its landscape and scenic beauty and where the scale and extent of development should be limited. The site is located in open countryside remote from any settlement and where National Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (2024) is clear that sites should be very strictly limited. It is densely wooded and prominently and sensitively located on the scarp itself, with the Pilgrims Way running along its northern boundary. The KDNL Landscape Character Assessment for this LCA (Hollingbourne Scarp and Vale) identifies the important contribution made by the woodlands of the scarp here, as well as the thick hedges along the Pilgrims Way, to the landscape character, including to the treed backdrop of the springline villages, including Harrietsham, at the foot of the scarp. Development of this site would inevitably result in a serious loss of woodland, and of tranquillity, to this part of the escarpment of the Kent Downs and would seriously harm the landscape character and natural beauty of the National Landscape. We therefore request the removal of this site allocation. With regard to proposed allocations C4S (008) The Lodge, Water Lane, Thurnham, C4S (028) Oakland place, Greenway Lane, Harrietsham and C4S (030) Riverwood, Chegworth Lane, Harrietsham, all of which lie within the setting of the Kent Downs National Landscape, we request an additional site criterion, or an amendment to criteria c to require that boundary treatments, including entranceways, should be appropriate to the site's rural location and that brick walls and metal fencing should be avoided.
We request that specific reference is made to the need to avoid harm to the natural beauty of the National Landscapes.
Request amendment to final sentence of criterion g. of Policy TR8 to make clear that the use of brick walls and metal fencing should be avoided.
We request that reference is added in the supporting text to the Kent Downs National Landscape Landscape Design Handbook and Guidance on the Selection and Use of Colour in the case of developments that affect the National Landscape or its setting.
