Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

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Proposed Site in Bearsted/Thurnham Site Ref: C4S (008) We write in response to the above proposed site and would like to raise our concerns. Access to the proposed site is on Water Lane - so named as a combination of natural underground springs and water running off the North Downs has long made this hazardous - particularly during the winter months when the water freezes and makes it icy. Thurnham Lane (that runs parallel) has similar issues and two pedestrians and their dog were killed whilst walking on 20th January 2024 and is well documented. There are no footpaths for proposed residents to access this site safely thus encouraging the use of more vehicles. Water Lane itself is a narrow country lane, making it difficult to negotiate and joins the Pilgrims Way, a single track road. The lanes become far more dangerous when Operation Brock is in place as they are used as ‘rat runs’. The lane is not serviced by public transport and walking to bus stops, the train station, doctors, shops etc would be considered dangerous due to the lack of footpaths.