Testun llawn:
I write to strongly oppose the decision for Stratford Rd as a possible location for a Gypsy and traveller site.
I moved to Stratford Road, Warwick in July 2014, regarding it as one of the most sought after roads to live on in Warwick. During the purchase of the property 8 bids were made from over 30 potential buyers, the house selling in only one day, I was successful in purchasing the property having to pay some £30,000 above asking price. I was happy to do this as I saw this place as my final home and as a very desirable place to live.
After speaking to my local residents and neighbours I was very surprised and concerned to hear that the potential site selected was at the end of the Stratford Road, less than a mile to my property. I can also add that I was surprised that it was a recent late addition to the long list of potential sites selected. Many residents remain completely unaware of this plan.
I strongly oppose the site for the following reasons
1. As a payer of Council Tax like the many resident on Stratford Road, we should of been consulted long before the site was added to the list, surely surveys and consultation were taken long before the site was added. Full consultation and consideration period were given to the other sites.
2. Being so close to a new housing estate Chase Meadow and Beaumont Meadow, potential new residents would be put off the idea of living there, creating less potential sales. Taylor Wimpey I believe will be building a new phase of houses, I can see their marketing flags marking out the next phase. Please ask the question of whether they will continue to build and how would these houses sell? surely they will remain empty like the development in Leamington Spa by the Waterside, then having to sell them at rock bottom pricing, thus bringing down local house prices.
3. Local residents pay a large amount of council tax to fund WDC and are always informed on how governments cuts need to be made to cover other services, surely this site would impact this limited budget as amenities need to be installed etc and the general up keep of the site would be significant.
4. The Stratford Road is one of the major roads that lead into Warwick and I am surprised that WDC would not think a site would impact on the first impression that tourist have and potential businesses relocating to Warwick.
5. Warwick has seen a steady decline of local shops unfortunately closing down but recently local restaurants such as Micatto and shops such as Hatton and Harding have help create a town where people have the desire to be and want to live and shop, a traveller community would not benefit and promote Warwick to more new business.
6. I have had first hand experience of the gypsy community whilst living in Warwick previously, I run for leisure and I have been heckled and intimidated with them and their dogs whilst running round the race course. I would certainly not feel safe running anymore or walking my dogs in the local areas. I would surely have to consider selling my property
7. Without stereotyping the gypsy community residents will surely fear an increase in crime rate, insurance increases, house prices falling. The area will become an area where there will be houses that people cant sell and people not wanting to buy them. This devaluation of property prices could surely lead to a council tax review as the houses are worth less therefore WDC receiving less council tax this would also leave a lot of residents (including myself who purchased at a premium) in negative equity.
8. Being a dog owner I know that the potential diseases from other dogs that have not been vaccinated is a great threat and would worry of possibility of my dog being stolen. Without wanting to stereotype, they do tend to allow their dogs to run off the lead, and as a way of intimidation as experienced personally on the race course.
I would like to be kept fully informed on the activity surrounding this application and the process involved in any decision making. Like many residents, should this planning be approved I will be surely placing my property on the housing market.
Please note I do not wish my contact details (name or email) to be displayed on the planning website.