BASE HEADER

We are writing to strongly OBJECT to the potential allocation of site GTalt01(Brookside Willows Site, Banbury Road, Warwick) as a possible site for the Gypsy and Traveller community.

The site is wholly unsuitable for such use for the following reasons:

1. According the Environment Agency landfill database, this site has previously accepted material which is likely to be contaminated. The Environment Agency information confirms the site has in the past received both industrial and commercial waste, but most importantly, has received Special Waste which is defined as "waste that has hazardous properties and is defined in the Special Waste Regulations 1996. Such properties may be flammable, irritant, toxic, harmful, carcinogenic or corrosive".

Therefore, for these reasons alone, the site is not suitable for human habitation even on a temporary basis.

2. This fact was confirmed by one of Warwick District Council's own Officers (Dave Barber) in an email dated 25th June 2013, in which it was stated "this was a former landfill site and is therefore contaminated...the site is not suitable as a gypsy and traveller site" and "we haven't included this site within our options for gypsies and travellers and it is most unlikely that our position on this would change." Therefore, I don't understand why the Council have now changed their position on this.

3. Thirdly, Banbury Road is one of the most important routes into Warwick town centre and provides historic views to the castle and St. Mary's church in the town centre. What message would it sent to people visiting Warwick that the first thing they encounter would be a gypsy and traveller site located in such a prominent position.


We therefore I strongly OBJECT to the inclusion of the Brookside Willows Site as a potential gypsy and traveller site and would hope that the Warwick District Council will see sense and remove this from the sites under consideration.