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

Strongly disagree

My comments are in regard to the following proposal; C4S (017) The Brishings (20). The site policy assessment in section 7.2 gives the 'Transport and accessibility' for this site as a single minus only. This assessment is not consistent with the facts. In the site allocation policy within Maidstone Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople DPD it is stated that planning permission will only be granted if the site is accessed via Green Lane. Green Lane is a two way, single lane track with no pavement on either side and with no public lighting. There are minimal opportunities for cars to pass each other when travelling in opposite directions and, because of the high hedge, there is a blind corner on the route from the site to Leeds Road. The lane is not suitable for large vehicles, lorries or large caravans. There are no retail outlets or direct employment opportunities in the village so the regular use of vehicles would be essential for the occupants of the 20 proposed pitches. This would, necessarily, significantly increase the risk of accidents and congestion in, and around, Langley village. Vehicular access to the site (via Green Lane) is limited to cars and small vans only. There is two-way traffic on the lane with very few areas for cars to pass each other. Pedestrians have no pavement or public lighting. It is difficult to imagine a site with poorer access so I consider the current assessment far too lenient. The assessment should be reviewed and, in addition, these issues should be considered sufficiently serious for the proposed site to be rejected.