Volume 1: Sustainability Appraisal of the Maidstone Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document 2023–2040

Disagree

Site code C4S-008 - The Lodge, Water Lane, is clearly unsuitable. The area already routinely floods into the entrance to Bearsted (through water lane), more development in the catchment of this waterflow will mean more water, creating an increased hazard and likely blocking access to Bearsted village from the A20. The site will be visible from the North Downs, and Pilgrim's way - historic and special natural sites. The access through Water Lane is already treacherous - the narrow railway bridge, lack of pavements and steep banks make it unsuitable for the large vehicles mentioned, or for cycle/public transport access to services that are all too far to walk (and are already overstretched). Any plan to move forward at that site would clearly be in contradiction to the stated criteria of this plan (not to mention common sense).