Object

Gypsy and Traveller Site Options

Representation ID: 55736

Received: 24/07/2013

Respondent: Malcolm S Parker

Representation Summary:

Property backs directly onto Hampton Road and overlooks the site. In winter much of the land is flooded. Will have severe impact on views from the property. The investment and taxes paid for living here do not reflect a Gypsy site in such close proximity.

There is a pedestrian walkway through from the Grove to Hampton Road. Few pedestrians use the walkway but when Gypsies last camped at the stables car park they used this walkway and entered gardens/property demanding food and money. Why should people have to keep their houses and gardens permanently locked up?

Full text:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Having attended last weeks meeting at Aylesford School I am writing in connection with the above and in particular with the proposed site on Land at Budbrooke Lodge, Racecourse and Hampton Road (GT11).

The property I own is No. 33 Robins Grove at the top of the "hammer head" and the rear of my property backs directly onto the Hampton Road and the view from my upstairs master bedroom window overlooks directly into the site being proposed. In wintertime when the leaves have fallen it is a clear view - I should say that for much of the winter a good proportion of the land is flooded with large areas of water laying on the surface for long periods. I presume that you are aware of this?

Nevertheless the amount of personal capital that I invested in purchasing my home in 2000 and indeed the amount of local taxes I have paid promptly in the subsequent period did and does not reflect the sight and existence of a Gypsy site in such close proximity. I therefore submit my personal objections on the grounds of the land itself not being suitable and furthermore to the severe impact that your proposals have to the views from my property.

My second objection is based around Security. You will be aware that immediately adjacent to my next door neighbour's property there is a pedestrian walkway through from the Grove to Hampton Road.

You will also be aware that on occasions in the past Gypsies have stayed for temporary periods of time on the car park next to the new Racecourse stables block on the North side of the Hampton Road.

One of the attractions to me purchasing No. 33 back in 2000 was it's secluded location. There is no passing motorised traffic as such and the few pedestrians using the walkway mentioned above do not come close to my property.

The rear of my property is secured by a 6 foot solid wood fence and shrubbery on all sides and access (other than through the house itself) is via a solid wooden side gate. I use the latter passageway as my personal access choosing to enter the house through the rear kitchen door.

On the occasion that Gypsies were last camped "over the road" at the stables car park I came down stairs during a weekday morning and found that a middle aged Gypsy woman had opened the back gate and let herself onto my property . She was peering though my (half glazed) kitchen door turning the handle trying to enter my house. The door itself was locked. Without opening the door I asked what she wanted and she demanded money from me - I refused - she then demanded food which I again refused. After around 3 minutes of her voicing abuse and filth at me - she decided to leave.

Having experienced this trespass I object to your proposals on the grounds of the impact upon the security of my home. You could say that I should keep my back gate bolted at all times. My response would be - Why should I?

I believe that it is reasonable for me to have the right to choose by which access I enter my own home and a necessity to bolt my gate from the inside would direct all access through the front - this is not something that I wish to do.

Thank you for your kind attention to the matters raised above.