Testun llawn:
We are very concerned to hear about the proposal to establish a Gypsy & Traveller site on land adjacent to Stratford Road, Warwick. This site was not included in the original shortlist, or indeed the list of sites put forward in the initial consultation.
We wish to object to this proposal on the following grounds:
1) Flood Risk: Approximately 50% of the proposed site is deemed by the Environment Agency as Flood Zone 3 - a designated flood plain. Further sections are identified as zone 2. Sites GT04. GT15 and GT19 were all either excluded or reduced in size as a result of flood risk. WDC are quoted in their response to GT04 as saying, "...building a site on a flood plain would be unacceptable."
2) Noise: The proposed site is bordered on two sides by busy roads. The M40 corridor has already been excluded due to noise levels in previous proposals. The A429 Stratford Road is the main thoroughfare into Warwick. At 40 MPH, the road noise would be a significant consideration. This is compounded by deceleration/acceleration at the roundabout and also 24-hour access to the newly positioned West Midlands Ambulance Station - with associated warning sirens.
3) Smell: On occasions the smell from the sewerage facility is obtrusive and can be unpleasant when simply driving past the site.
4) Loss of Grazing Land: The land within the proposed site has been designated as grade 2 grazing land. Within the exclusion justification for GT12, WDC have stated that, "...ideally grade 2 land would not be used for development."
5) Impact on Tourism: The A429 is the primary tourist route into Warwick and also links the town to Stratford-upon-Avon. Even with proactive landscaping, the potential impact on tourism is a concern. Buses and coaches travelling along the A429 would undoubtedly observe the site - a large proportion of the 750,000 visitors to Warwick Castle alone each year. There is also a possibility that the site will be visible from the top of the towers within Warwick Castle.
6) Impact on Local Businesses/Economy: The site is in close proximity to two of Warwick's largest hotels - bordering one. There is potential to reduce numbers of guests and conference delegates, with users choosing to utilise alternative venues. The Tournament Fields development is already struggling to attract tenants to the existing properties, with land identified for further development. Companies will be reluctant to move their business premises into an area adjacent to a G&T site. Buyers will be deterred from purchasing houses currently being built to the south east of the Chase Meadow estate, as a result of the G&T development.
We would question whether the Gypsy & Traveller Community really want to purchase and setup a semi-permanent residence sandwiched between two busy roads, a sewerage works and a flood plain?
We look forward to hearing your response to these above concerns.