Testun llawn:
I am writing to object to the Gypsy and Traveller site being built on Stratford Road. I understand that the policy in the Draft Local Plan will list the criteria by which Gypsy and Traveller sites will be judged for suitability and sustainability under several criteria and have outlined my objections in accordance with them below:
a. Reasonable distance from local services
Whilst there are local services near to the proposed site it is not clear whether they are able to sustain the increase in population due to the influx of Gypsies and Travellers. In the councils own Sustainability Assessment the section is graded as '?' and states that the effect on the economy is 'uncertain at this stage'. This is not an acceptable assessment of the effect that the Gypsy and Traveller site will have on the local services. There are currently limited services in the local area and it is unclear whether they will be able to support the potential increase in population, for example it is likely that there will not be enough places at local schools to support the increase in children which will have a detrimental effect on the children that already live in the local area, forcing the Gypsy and Traveller children and/or other local children to travel further afield. As a local resident I have also found it very difficult to access a local dentist under the NHS and therefore it is likely that new residents will also find this an issue.
b. Good access to local road networks
Whilst it is clear that the proposed site is very near to the A46/M40 junction, the exact details of how to access the proposed plot has not been adequately addressed. Information published in the proposal states 'advice expected soon'. Again, this is unacceptable to plan a site and hold a consultation without the necessary information needed. The current narrow farm track to the land is inadequate and would not provide access for emergency vehicles as outlined in the government guidelines regarding the necessary arrangements for Gypsy and Traveller sites. One proposed new access road to the site would also place the main entrance of the site next to a Grade II listed building. This is also located on a dangerous bend with poor visibility to motorists thereby putting the public at increased risk of serious road traffic accidents which would not be acceptable.
c. Suitable size
The site is of suitable size, however with size of plot comes increased residents to the local area, with an unknown impact on the local economy (See points in a) and also an uncertainty with regards to whether the access is acceptable (See points in b) and whether the infrastructure requirements can be met (see points in d). All of this is unclear and unacceptable with regards to a proposal.
d. Infrastructure requirements can be met
The council's own assessment states that air, soil and water quality are of 'significant concern' and notes that the development of a Gypsy and Traveller site could have a potential 'major negative effect'. Although it claims this can be 'mitigated' there is little further detail with regards to this which is unacceptable. A site close to a sewage works and a busy motorway network will also require a significant cost to rectify these aspects to ensure safety of the Gypsy and Traveller community residing in the area to ensure their safety. There is also a flood risk associated with the site and according to the government guidelines, Gypsy and Traveller sites should not be built where there is probability that flooding will occur. Whilst 'mitigation work' has been alluded to, there is no information with regards to what this will be, how much this will cost or whether the risk can be eliminated which is again unacceptable.
e. Potential for the site to be adequately screened
I am unaware of any information as to how the site will be adequately screened. The Stratford Road site is the main entrance road into Warwick from the motorway and a high amount of tourists travel up the road. Even with a screen, I believe that the Gypsy and Traveller site will still be visible to the people visiting Warwick and will have a negative impact on the impression of the beautiful medieval town and ultimately on the popularity of it.
There are therefore multiple reasons to object to the Gypsy and Traveller site being built on the Stratford Road site in Warwick for all of the criteria points that have been noted above. I believe that there is not enough information and not enough thought has gone into the details of the plan. It is therefore imperative that it does not go ahead.