Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Disagree

I write to formally object to the proposed allocation of land for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Show People development within the Development Plan Document, specifically Site Reference C4S (008), The Lodge. The proposed allocation is considered unsound and unsuitable for the following reasons, having regard to national and local planning policy. Highway access and safety: The site is accessed via Water Lane, a narrow rural country lane with limited width, poor alignment, and constrained visibility. The nature of this access raises significant concerns regarding safe vehicular movements, including the ability to accommodate larger vehicles typically associated with the proposed use. As such, the proposal conflicts with paragraph 115 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which requires development to provide safe and suitable access for all users and to avoid unacceptable impacts on highway safety. Impact on the Kent Downs National Landscape: The site lies within, and would be visually prominent in, the Kent Downs National Landscape, a nationally designated area afforded the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty. Paragraphs 176 and 177 of the NPPF require great weight to be given to conserving and enhancing the landscape and scenic beauty of National Landscapes, and state that development within such areas should be limited and carefully justified. The proposed allocation would introduce development that would be harmful to the character, appearance, and tranquillity of this sensitive landscape, contrary to these provisions and to the statutory purpose of designation under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Impact on protected trees and natural environment: The site contains several mature Oak trees that are protected by Tree Preservation Orders. These trees make a significant contribution to landscape character, local amenity, and biodiversity. Development on the site would place unacceptable pressure on the root protection areas of these trees and risks their long-term retention. This conflicts with paragraph 131 of the NPPF, which requires existing trees to be retained wherever possible, and with paragraph 180, which seeks to protect and enhance biodiversity and valued natural features. Plan-led and sustainability considerations: In addition, the allocation does not accord with the NPPF requirement for plans to promote sustainable development in appropriate locations. Given the site’s constrained access, landscape sensitivity, and environmental designations, it cannot be considered a sustainable or suitable location when assessed against reasonable planning alternatives. For the reasons set out above, the allocation of Site C4S (008) The Lodge is not supported and should be rejected from the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Show People DPD.