Testun llawn:
I object to the proposed gypsie and traveller site off the Stratford Road on the following basis:
1. The consultation process is flawed as the Stratford Road site was selected as a preferred site without being properly considered or previously consulted on.
2. Some members of the council were involved in making related planning decisions, such as the decision not to use the proposed land in Barford as a gypsie and traveller site. In my opinion they should have been excluded from the decision making process and entered themselves onto the council's record of interests. Failure to do so in my opinion is a clear breach of the council's code of conduct and a clear breach of process. In my opinion, there has clearly been a conflict of interest. If the Barford site had been accepted then the Stratford Road would not have been considered.
3. The Stratford Road site has inadequate access as defined by the relevant requirements for gypsie and traveller sites.
4. The site is unsuitable due to its proximity to the sewage works.
5. A council paper of 2009 assessed the site (previously called site B) and declared there were significant constraints and issues to overcome to even use the site for business use. These issues have not been addressed. In particular, the council noted the potential serious damage to the unique Avon riverine.
6. The site is at risk of flood and should be excluded.
7. The local GP surgery is already over subscribed and has objected - there are inadequate local facilities.
8. Proximity to the M40 creates a health hazard to the potential gypsie and traveller residents.
9. There would be a serious negative impact on the local economy as businesses on nearby business parks have objected and the owners of Tournament Fields have clarified that there will be a major and detrimental affect on their ability to attract business tenants.
10. Having a traveller and gypsie site on the main road into Warwick could damage the image of and visitor numbers to Warwick.
11. There would not be good cohesion with the local established community who clearly and strongly object to the proposals for a traveller site on the Stratford Road.
12. There is clear bias from Councillors, most of whom live north of Warwick, who conveniently have not found a single suitable piece of land near where they live and have instead looked to foist all of the traveller and gypsie sites onto the residents of south Warwick. This in my view is a gross example of abuse of position and is highlighted by the proposed Stratford Road site which is clearly so unsuitable and put forward as a preferred site with totally inadequate reasoning to do so.
13. The council has failed to consult properly with local residents by failing to offer discussions and meetings at times that the majority can make.
14. The council should not ignore the will of such a high number of residents.
15. The council has failed to show why the Stratford Road site is more suitable than the other options, such as the Barford site. This is highly relevant if the decision is genuinely to be objective.