Testun llawn:
I wish to express concern about the suitability of the proposed Travellers site on the Stratford Road Warwick, alongside the Severn Trent site down to the M40.
I am in favour of providing permanent spaces for gypsies and travellers to use, and I submitted a response to the last consultation to say that I supported the use of the site near the racecourse.
I am aware that many others would object to any sites near them. I don't wish to be associated with a NIMBY mentality so I am not joining in with any collective objection. This is an individual submission.
My concern with the Severn Trent land is twofold:
Firstly, I thought it was an area allowed to flood: it soaks up the water in the area and keeps Chase Meadow from flooding. I may be wrong but this would need to be carefully checked. It wouldn't be ethical to offer people an area with a high flood risk, with the potential dangers to health, safety and property.
Secondly, I am concerned about whether it is habitable. I live nearby and it is noticeable sometimes that there is a strong smell of sewage coming from the Severn Trent land. I am not complaining: water treatment has to happen somewhere! But I know that the smell is far stronger close to the site and I suspect there is a frequent problem with air quality. I am surprised to even see it approved for employment purposes, though within an air conditioned building I suppose the effect would be managed. However, caravans don't offer the same luxury. I would find it unpleasant to live there, I would worry about the hygiene, I would certainly worry about my children breathing that air.
Please would you ensure that a full environmental health assessment is carried out to check the impact on people who might be living on that potential site. In that assessment it should include the psychological effects of a sewage smell: it's not something I would wish people to have to endure.