Testun llawn:
I am writing to object to the Gypsy and traveller Preferred site GT04, Land at Harbury Lane, Fosse Way.
My comments and some of my concerns are as follows:-
* WDC utilised the findings in the Salford GTAA report in order to establish a need. However, there is no evidence of WDC's due diligence in validating the accuracy of the report and /or the relevance of the established need.
* The WDC consultation does not consider, as required, the existing capacity of current sites within Warwickshire county and adjacent districts.
* The GTAA has ignored the impact of the planned Transit site near Southam which has been agreed since completion of the GTAA
* According to the Government's planning policy framework, adjacent DCs are required to collaborate, and yet Warwick DC and Stratford DC are very much out of phase with their consultations so logically they cannot collaborate. Furthermore, there is no evidence that WDC has collaborated or discussed with Stratford DC other than a reported "10 minute long but un-minuted meeting" or indeed with Rugby DC
* There is no evidence in WDC's consultation report that as required by NPFF and CLG , that WDC have weighed up the cost to council of Compulsory purchase vs development of underutilised 'Brownfield sites' including those that the council already own.
* The WDC proposals will provide for more accommodation than there are G&T residents within WDC boundary as the vast majority already live in houses therefore the requirement is clearly over-stated
Specific to Site GT04:
* The site does not meet the fundamental planning criteria laid out in the NPPF, guidance from Department of Communities and Local Government and WDC's own consultation documents for Gypsy & Traveller sites. GT04 does not comply with planning policy whereby sites should provide access to nearby services and quality of life.
Specifically:-
* Accessibility to shops and local services. GT04 does not meet national planning framework guidelines that recommend a 5-10mins walk on a pavement.
* Proximity to local community: GT04 does not meet the national planning framework guidelines recommendation for sites to be on community periphery to encourage integration.
* GT04 does not meet national planning framework guidelines recommendations for accessibility to good local transport.
* GT04 does meet national planning framework guidelines recommendations for availability of good infrastructure (roads, pavement, street lighting, broadband, mobile phone reception).The infrastructure at GT04 is poor and would require considerable investment to rectify. Surely this is an expense that WDC should not incur during today's times of cutbacks in public expenditure and services?
* The area is prone to flooding with Harbury Lane and surrounding fields often being under water. In accordance with planning and building regulations, GT04 would be unable to use soak away or runoff based drainage systems since the soil is clay based and will require connection to mains sewerage which does not exist in Harbury Lane.
* Planning policy for G&T requires schools / GP surgeries to be a 5-10 minute walk away, GT04 is at least a 45 minute walk away. The nearest GP surgery is three miles away and that GP surgery is at capacity.
* The nearest primary, junior and senior schools are already at capacity.
* GT04 is located on Harbury Lane and Fosse Way cross roads that is a high risk travel route with high volumes of traffic and an increasing number of accidents. Speed cameras and warning signs highlight this fact. Children will be at risk if allowed to stand on a busy road to wait for transport to school if indeed such transport exists
* According to aroma maps GT04 is within zone of aerial discharge from Barnwell Chicken farm. This raises serious environmental and health concerns, and was a primary reason that the potential G&T site at Barnwell farm was previously rejected. Barnwell chicken farm can smell awful and GT04 would not be a good place to live
* The cost to create 5 to 10 permanent pitches ranges from £325k to £650k, using government's figures (£65k per pitch). In addition to this, GT04 site may require the relocation of a Football club. There is no firm evidence that G&T can or will pay these sums of money and WDC have not suggested an alternative if G&T cannot or will not pay. GT04 should not be considered if there is not proof that G&T can and will buy and develop it
* If GT04 were to be developed, the use of a vehicle or public transport to shops and schools is a necessity and not considered eco-friendly.