BASE HEADER

I wish to object to the Gypsy and Traveller preferred site GT02 Land abutting the Fosse Way at its junction with the B425.

My comments and some of my concerns are as follows:
- WDC utilised the findings in the Salford GTAA report in order to establish 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 ignores 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. Further 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 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 the vast majority of whom already live in houses so the requirement is clearly
seriously over-stated
- There is clear evidence via Hansard that MP's now want a fair planning policy that should result
in the abolition of the G&T planning requirement
- There has been little (and passive) publicity of the Consultation process and key milestones. Had
it not been for the local Community group I would not have known about it - it feels and looks
like this is a deliberate underhanded approach.
Specific to Site GT02:
- 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. GT02 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: GT02 does not meet national planning framework
guidelines recommended 5-10mins walk on a pavement.
-Proximity to local community: GT02 does not meet the national planning framework
guidelines recommendation for sites to be on community periphery to encourage integration.
- GT02 Relies on the Fosse Way for access, a route which is becoming busier and more dangerous every year,
with road signs emphasising the high and growing casualty rates.
There is also no pavement making access difficult and highly hazardous for pedestrians, particularly children.
- GT02 does not meet national planning framework guidelines recommendations for
accessibility to good local transport.
- GT02 does not meet national planning framework guidelines recommendations for availability
of good infrastructure (roads, pavement, street lighting, broadband, cellphone reception).The
infrastructure at GT02 is poor and would require considerable investment to rectify. And this is an
expense that WDC should not incur during times of cutbacks in public expenditure and services.
- The area is prone to flooding with surrounding fields often under water.
In accordance with planning and building regs, GT02 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.
-Planning policy for G&T requires schools / GP surgeries to be a 5-10 minute walk away, GT02 is at
least a 45 minute walk away.