Testun llawn:
Site GT02
I am writing to register my objection to the proposed location of a Gypsy and Traveller site on land abutting the Fosse Way at its junction with the B425 see notes below.
Objections to proposed Gypsy Traveller site GT02
Convenient access to GP surgery, school and public transport
I understand that the GT02 site scores highly because it has regular public transport. I cannot see how the existing bus stop arrangements ( a post set on a grass verge ) can be used without extensive alteration e.g. the need to provide pathways, standing area and a lay by for the buses on what is especially in rush hour periods a very busy road, the site is on a high risk route as defined by the council a few years ago.
Is there an intention to provide a footpath between the site and Radford Semele, if so how would this be achieved and at what cost ?
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There is no capacity at the nearest GP surgery ( I just phoned and asked ) and the next alternative surgery is some 5 miles distant with no direct public transport link.
The nearest primary school is in Radford Semele that has with very little spare capacity and would I think be stretched to accommodate children who would come and go as the traveller lifestyle dictates.
According to the council there is provision in the "Local Plan" for more houses in Radford Semele which would eat up any capacity for school and GP surgery places.
Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding
After heavy rain fall there are areas of standing water on the site and in the surrounding fields.
Provision of utilities
There is no access to "mains" sewerage on the site so expensive septic tank facilities would need to be provided. There is no mains gas supply and the electricity supply is from the rural network and is therefore limited in capacity.
Impact on the Historic and Natural Environment
I see from the the councils report on potential Gypsy Traveller sites ( report created by Enfusion) that there is no historical significance to the site. A simple search reveals that the site, like many areas of land adjacent to the Fosse is on the Archaeological Register with recent finds of pottery recorded. I understand that the land is also the site of a toll dating back to medieval times.
The site is adjacent to protected ancient woodland and surrounded by farmland.
Integration into the landscape
As the site is in the valley between two hills and at a major junction on the Fosse it will be obvious when approached from any direction and no amount of fencing/landscaping will hide it. The response form says that some travellers will live and work at the same location. I do not know what form of work might be carried out on the site but this must have an impact on the councils need to ensure " integration into the landscape".
Peaceful and integrated co-existence into the local community
I feel that a site of the size proposed which, I understand could contain up to 100 persons will dominate the local community which currently totals some 50 souls. We would be overwhelmed by a community with different lifestyles and very different living style.
The owner of the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre says he has lost business already as potential exhibitors are put off by the proposal to locate the Gypsy Traveller site on his land and that he would be forced to close down the centre with the loss of some forty jobs if the proposal goes ahead. This seems madness on the part of the council in the current economic climate and is not a good example of peaceful and integrated co-existence with the local community.
Comments on the Plan
I am also want to make comments on the style of the and value of the Enfusion report on which these options are based and the choice of locations for these sites.
While the Enfusion report impressed me at first glance careful reading and some simple analysis reveals flaws. Many of these were highlighted at the recent public meeting at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. This is with reference to unanswered questions, "cut and paste" responses and simplistic comments i.e. there is an existing bus service / primary school / GP surgery but with no comment on wether or not this infrastructure is capable of supporting the extra load that would be imposed by a GT site or even the proposed housing developments for the districts.
There is much in the reports decision matrix on the need to have a site where there is access to public transport, GP surgery and schooling etc yet most of the sites in the plan are in isolated, mainly rural areas. As the council has plans for so many new housing developments would it not be simpler to locate the Gypsy Traveller sites alongside these developments and so merge the infrastructure needs of the extra housing proposed and the GT sites.
I would like to be informed of any future consultations on Gypsy Traveller sites AND any consultations / reports for WDC housing developments.