BASE HEADER

Objection to the proposed Gypsy Traveller site GT02


I am writing to object to the proposed Gypsy and Traveller site abutting the Fosse Way at the junction with the A425 (GT02).

We recently moved to the Fosse Way within a few hundred yards of the proposed site.

After reviewing the councils criteria for the suitability of a Gypsy and Traveller sites I can highlight a number of objectionable reasons why the area known as GT02 would not be suitable for this purpose.

Economic Impact

The proposed site is on the land currently owned by the Warwickshire Exhibition centre. We understand from reading the councils own report that this land could be subject to a compulsory purchase order should the land owner be unwilling to sell. We have been informed categorically by the land owner that he does NOT wish to sell the land and a Gypsy Traveller site abutting his exhibition centre would have a devastating effect on his business. The Warwickshire Exhibition centre currently holds twelve exhibitions a year attracting in excess of 30,000 visitors. Many of these visitors come from outside of the area and I would assume a high proportion would stay a couple of days, possibly using local hotels or B&Bs and eat in the many pubs and restaurants the area has to offer. They would of course also use local shops, petrol stations and spend money in the shops in the town centre. There is no doubt that a Gypsy Traveller site located here would have a significant impact on a thriving business and in turn to the local economy especially at a time the local authorities are trying to encourage rural enterprise.


Accessibility for schools and GP surgeries:

Having recently moved to the area we also had to look at suitable schools for our children, and register the family with a local doctor. We found that the schools in the immediate vicinity were either nearing capacity and in some year groups full. We were also unable to register with any of the local Doctors surgeries in Leamington as these were also full to capacity. A permanent Gypsy Traveller site with permanent residents many of whom I assume would be families with young children would also face the same issues. We are also aware that planning for an extra 200 homes has been granted to be built in the Sydenham area increasing the need for school places and GP surgeries. Therefore I do not feel that GT02 would meet the council's criteria for suitable access into local schools and GPs surgeries.



Public Transport:

There is a bus stop close to the roundabout, it is not paved just a grass verge. To reach this bus stop from the location of GT02 a busy road on a busy roundabout needs to be crossed. There are a number of council warning road signs in the immediate vicinity which goes to highlight how dangerous the road and roundabout are. I would not allow my children to cross these roads in order to reach the bus stop, whether it be going to school or into the town. Therefore I would again object on the grounds that GT02 does not meet the government criteria for suitable Public transport links.


Road Safety:

Is there a safe access to a road network? The answer is clearly no. There is no safe access to this part of the Fosse Way. The abundance of council warning signs highlight this. If the highways agency had been consulted I am sure they would support this statement. There has been numerous accidents and fatalities on this stretch of the Fosse Way.


Environmental Impact:

The council state that the proposed site should be "integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area" GT02 is in a valley. The proposed site would be clearly visible from all directions travelling from the direction of the town and also when heading towards the town. Our house is screened from the Fosse Way by other houses. However it is still clearly visible coming from either direction heading towards the roundabout on the A425. Therefore it would be impossible to screen a Gypsy Traveller site and integrate it into the natural landscape. The Fosse Way is a historic road and the roundabout on the corner of GT02 was the site of a historic toll house. The woodland in the surrounding area is listed in the doomsday book and is inhabited by many protected species. A Gypsy Traveller site located in this area would therefore impact upon the historic and natural environment.


Risk of flooding:

Our property is located in a valley as is GT02. We carried out extensive renovation works prior to moving in. In order to meet with building regulations approval we had to install extra drainage, and eco drains due to the risk of flooding within the immediate vicinity. I have been informed by neighbours that this part of the Fosse Way did suffer from flooding some years ago. GT02 would therefore also be subject to the same risks.


After reading the councils Enfusion report on the suitability for GT02 as a Gypsy and Traveller site I do not feel enough detailed and thorough research had been carried out on the suitability for the area listed as GT02 to locate a gypsy and traveller site, as it clearly does not meet the councils own suitability criteria. There have been many oversights and the report has been conducted by individuals that are not fully acquainted or even researched the area in detail. Had it of been the area GT02 could not of been identified as a possible site.

I am aware that travellers sites are a highly emotive issue however my objection has been based on hard facts, a degree of due diligence and first hand experience of moving a family to the immediate vicinity.