Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Nothing chosen

I set out my concerns below in respect of the above, which relates to a possible Gypsy/Traveller site at Water Lane Bearsted:- 1. Water Lane is completely unsuitable for large cars or commercial vehicles of the type frequently used by gypsies and travellers, and certainly it is not suitable for towing caravans, either static or touring. The road is a very narrow, single track lane, with numerous hills and blind bends, making it extremely difficult for pedestrians or drivers to see any oncoming vehicles. There are no official passing places, and only a few muddy widenings which have been created by vehicles being forced off the road to allow oncoming vehicles to pass. There is no pavement and no lighting, making it already extremely dangerous for pedestrians in particular. This would become more so if traffic were to increase, which it inevitably would if consent for such a site were to be given. Such a site would also create an increase in pedestrians using the lane, including children of gypsy and traveller families, who would be at significant risk. Furthermore, the lane frequently runs with water, and in the winter it regularly floods to a considerable degree. I have often seen it completely flooded across the entire width at its junction with Roundwell, several inches, and sometimes more, deep. I last saw it flooded in this manner on 18th December 2025, when I happened to be driving past the junction. The lane is particularly dangerous in winter, because the surface water can turn to ice, leading to vehicles skidding out of control, or pedestrians falling, possibly into the path of vehicles, with potentially fatal results. Although I have lived in the Bearsted area for many years, and I walk daily, I have always avoided Water Lane, because I consider it too dangerous for pedestrians. 2. The junction at Water Lane into Roundwell is generally unsuitable especially for commercial vehicles or any type of trailer or towed vehicles. There is a considerable bend in Roundwell at the junction, making it very difficult for vehicles to pull out safely from Water Lane. 3.The site entrance itself does not provide sufficient space or site lines, safely to pull into and out of when towing caravans or trailers in particular. 4. Because of the difficulties with the lane, and the proposed access, it may prove difficult for emergency vehicles to attend the site. 4. I understand that the proposed site itself often suffers from flooding, making it unsuitable for occupation. Furthermore, as hard standing would have to be provided for the pitches, this would cause more water run off, increasing the risk of flooding. 5. The site can be seen from the Downs, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The creation of numerous pitches, with their ancillary parking and other amenities would detract considerably from the visual amenity of this area.