Objection to the proposed Gypsy Traveller site GT02


I am writing to object to the proposed Gypsy and Traveller site abutting the Fosse Way at the junction with the A425 (GT02).

We recently moved to the Fosse Way within a few hundred yards of the proposed site.

After reviewing the councils criteria for the suitability of a Gypsy and Traveller sites I can highlight a number of objectionable reasons why the area known as GT02 would not be suitable for this purpose.

Economic Impact

The proposed site is on the land currently owned by the Warwickshire Exhibition centre. We understand from reading the councils own report that this land could be subject to a compulsory purchase order should the land owner be unwilling to sell. We have been informed categorically by the land owner that he does NOT wish to sell the land and a Gypsy Traveller site abutting his exhibition centre would have a devastating effect on his business. The Warwickshire Exhibition centre currently holds twelve exhibitions a year attracting in excess of 30,000 visitors. Many of these visitors come from outside of the area and I would assume a high proportion would stay a couple of days, possibly using local hotels or B&Bs and eat in the many pubs and restaurants the area has to offer. They would of course also use local shops, petrol stations and spend money in the shops in the town centre. There is no doubt that a Gypsy Traveller site located here would have a significant impact on a thriving business and in turn to the local economy especially at a time the local authorities are trying to encourage rural enterprise.


Accessibility for schools and GP surgeries:

Having recently moved to the area we also had to look at suitable schools for our children, and register the family with a local doctor. We found that the schools in the immediate vicinity were either nearing capacity and in some year groups full. We were also unable to register with any of the local Doctors surgeries in Leamington as these were also full to capacity. A permanent Gypsy Traveller site with permanent residents many of whom I assume would be families with young children would also face the same issues. We are also aware that planning for an extra 200 homes has been granted to be built in the Sydenham area increasing the need for school places and GP surgeries. Therefore I do not feel that GT02 would meet the council's criteria for suitable access into local schools and GPs surgeries.



Public Transport:

There is a bus stop close to the roundabout, it is not paved just a grass verge. To reach this bus stop from the location of GT02 a busy road on a busy roundabout needs to be crossed. There are a number of council warning road signs in the immediate vicinity which goes to highlight how dangerous the road and roundabout are. I would not allow my children to cross these roads in order to reach the bus stop, whether it be going to school or into the town. Therefore I would again object on the grounds that GT02 does not meet the government criteria for suitable Public transport links.


Road Safety:

Is there a safe access to a road network? The answer is clearly no. There is no safe access to this part of the Fosse Way. The abundance of council warning signs highlight this. If the highways agency had been consulted I am sure they would support this statement. There has been numerous accidents and fatalities on this stretch of the Fosse Way.


Environmental Impact:

The council state that the proposed site should be "integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area" GT02 is in a valley. The proposed site would be clearly visible from all directions travelling from the direction of the town and also when heading towards the town. Our house is screened from the Fosse Way by other houses. However it is still clearly visible coming from either direction heading towards the roundabout on the A425. Therefore it would be impossible to screen a Gypsy Traveller site and integrate it into the natural landscape. The Fosse Way is a historic road and the roundabout on the corner of GT02 was the site of a historic toll house. The woodland in the surrounding area is listed in the doomsday book and is inhabited by many protected species. A Gypsy Traveller site located in this area would therefore impact upon the historic and natural environment.


Risk of flooding:

Our property is located in a valley as is GT02. We carried out extensive renovation works prior to moving in. In order to meet with building regulations approval we had to install extra drainage, and eco drains due to the risk of flooding within the immediate vicinity. I have been informed by neighbours that this part of the Fosse Way did suffer from flooding some years ago. GT02 would therefore also be subject to the same risks.


After reading the councils Enfusion report on the suitability for GT02 as a Gypsy and Traveller site I do not feel enough detailed and thorough research had been carried out on the suitability for the area listed as GT02 to locate a gypsy and traveller site, as it clearly does not meet the councils own suitability criteria. There have been many oversights and the report has been conducted by individuals that are not fully acquainted or even researched the area in detail. Had it of been the area GT02 could not of been identified as a possible site.

I am aware that travellers sites are a highly emotive issue however my objection has been based on hard facts, a degree of due diligence and first hand experience of moving a family to the immediate vicinity.

Travellers have shown again and again criminal activites
We do not want them the mess etc
Who pays?
I say no to the site inWhitnash

After a great deal of thought, I am writing to ask that you re-consider plans for a traveller's site at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.
I am aware that there is a need to find permanent sites for a people that are far too often generalised about negatively.
However, this site is not viable and risks significantly damaging the economic well-being of this area.
My reasons in précis are as follows:
(1) The Warwick Exhibition Centre site has the potential to lead to significant employment in the area. It is relatively in its infancy and needs time to develop. We have seen the impacts of the development of Stoneleigh over many years. It was not overnight. This site in future years will develop to offer significant, much needed employment.
(2) This area is historically important. There are genuine risks of damage to an historically important area that has yet to be properly explored/matrixed; the site would require significant investment and changes to road and transportation links to make it viable.
(3) Historically this area has always been protected as it provides the rural setting for a the densely populated town of Leamington and its satellite villages. Ingress into this area with housing will deeply impact not only visually but on the leisure and health balance for the local population.
I am not a 'nimby' in any way - and do appreciate the need to provide sites. However, the proposed sites would have economic, historic and infrastructure impacts that I believe outweigh this need. There are a number of alternative sites that pose significantly less risks.

I wish to register our objections to the proposed traveller sites in South Warwickshire

The proposal identified land at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre which was suitable for a gypsy and travellers site. I do not believe that any land at the site is suitable as any area chosen will dramatically affect the operation of the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre which has been a trading business on the site for over 10 years (part of Meridienne Exhibitions Ltd).
This is a viable and thriving exhibition centre which attracts nearly 40,000 visitors a year to a full range of events.
I work at the exhibition centre and my role is to specifically grow the venue usage which I have achieved over the past few years. We are now enjoying significant growth in new events and also retaining most clients year on year.
As news of the proposed site has spread most of my clients have phoned for assurance as to how this will affect their event. If you are unaware the exhibition and event industry normally has a 6-12 month lead time from when an event is booked at a venue to actually operating. In some cases this can be extended up to 2 years. Clearly any potential usage of our site for a gypsy or travellers site is a huge concern for clients and potential clients. They simply do not know what impact this will have on the venue's ability to service their event as they need all the surrounding land for their parking and event operations.
I have already lost potential bookings because of the adverse publicity to date of our venue being named so clearly in the proposals. Customers simply want to book a venue that they know will be suitable for their event and at the moment, what we will become over the coming years is not clear or stable.
I must also stress that we contribute massively to the local economy in terms of additional spend from thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors we attract to the area, be it on entertainment, accommodation, travel or leisure. The value of this should not be underestimated to the local economy when there are shops closing every day.
Only last week I attended an event organised by Business Enterprise & Tourism Officer, representing the Enterprise, Housing & Revenues section of Stratford on Avon District Council. Within that we were trying to find ways to support Southam and attract more tourism to the area and the impact and potential from the visitors that we already attract was clearly identified as critical to supporting this plan and encouraging greater tourism of Southam.
The exhibition centre also directly supports a team of up to 40 employees during events - all whose jobs are at risk should the proposed site be granted. Without doubt whatsoever the exhibition centre would cease to exist as clients would simply move to other venues where there was no external issues which affected their event.
I understand that some of the suitability and sustainably of the proposed site is judged on public transport - although there is a bus route close to the site stops were implemented only in recent years since a local resident on the Radford Semele hill wanted his young son to have independence and hence formal bus stops were introduced. We very rarely recommend to visitors to use this as it is a treacherous road to walk along, and an infrequent service, in fact, we put on a mini bus for most events from the station direct to the venue to ensure visitors safety.
The Fosse Way itself has had numerous accidents in recent years hence the volume of traffic warning signs and the installation of a speed camera in an attempt to manage the traffic and reduce accidents on this stretch of road.
The final point I would like to make is that one of the criteria is to promote peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community. Because of the location, the immediate residents who would become the "local community" have their homes in 6 dwellings. Within these 6 dwellings there are no more than 30 residents. From what I understand the proposed site could be home to more than 120 gypsies and travellers - this is not integration into the local community but rather a take over which makes residents who have been in their homes for over 10+ years the minority community.
I could continue to answer the many other criteria by which you will deem whether this site is suitable or not but following the meeting where nearly 400 local residents attended I feel you may have evidence from them on these points.
My concern is that the Enfusion report simply could not ascertain the effect on the local economy of the proposed site. Clearly if you name in the site location an active and thriving business you will affect the local economy and hopefully you can understand from my objective the risk to jobs, local economy and a thriving businesses.

I would like to voice my strong objection to the proposals laid out in the revised development plan for traveller sites at the following locations.
Land at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, Fosse Way GT02
Land at Barnwell Farm, Harbury Lane GT03
Land at Harbury Lane, Fosse Way GT04
Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm, Banbury RoaGT05
Depot site to the west off Cubbington Hill Farm GT08
I live on the Fosse Way, near to the exhibition centre. I feel that, having three times recently become the victim of burglary, these locations further degrade the security and safety my family and the local residents.
I also believe it would add further blight to those already affected by HS2. If the exhibition centre site goes through I will have the train to one side of my property and the Gipsy site to the other. This, I believe will render my property unsellable.
I would ask that you rethink these proposals.

I was horrified to discover the proposed plans for further development in the Whitnash area.

Over the last 10 years the green belt has been munched up by housing - Warwick Gates to mention one, factories and shops.

I understand that some of the plans propose building of houses (and sites for travellers) on green belt land at the end of golf lane and by woodside farm/ tachbrook road. After losing a wonderful view across to Warwick thanks to the building of the vast Warwick gates I feel compelled to urge you to reconsider the plans. I was bought up locally and loved living in Whitnash as it wasn't a town but was near one and it was also countrified but with excellent local facilities. Now I feel more and more 'boxed' in. The primary schools are overloaded, GP surgeries are being stretched in some areas. Extra housing will reduce the number of jobs available in the long run not forgetting the impact of pollution and disruption on the environment. We are encouraged to recycle and lessen our carbon foot print but these plans will only increase it. We now have foxes roaming the streets at night as their homes have been disturbed. It is so lovely to drive out on to tachbrook road and head towards Mallory Court Hotelas within 2 minutes you are in countryside. Also it's a very enjoyable ramble up the bridle path at the end of golf lane. I'm sure builders will be offering huge sums of money to build on land but it's all self centred greed. Whitnash is pretty much linked to Sydenham, Radford semele, and Leamington Spa. Do we need to encorporate Bishops Tachbrook as well. Our lovely area will no longer be distinguishable as being a separate entity but will be a merged blur like Coventry is. A place where I would not want to reside.

I have never voiced how I feel but I do feel very strongly about this and would feel the image of our community sliding away

Site GT02 - Land abutting the Fosse Way at its junction with the B425

What is the nature of your representation? Object
Please set out full details of your objection or representation of support with reference to the criteria above
* Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;
This site is in excess of 1.5miles from any GP surgery. The proposed site is outside of the catchment area of Harbury Surgery and the nearest surgery is the Croft Medical Centre in Sydenham which is 3.3 miles away which I understand is full. The next surgery is the Cubbington Road Surgery which is 4.7 miles distant and is not served by direct public transport so there is no convenient access to a surgery.
The position with regard to schooling is similar with Radford Primary School being almost fully subscribed and if the additional hundred houses are built in the village it will be full. This is outside of the Harbury catchment area and Harbury Primary School has had recent issues with too many children already.
The public transport whilst satisfactory is largely irrelevant as the residents are unlikely to use anything other than their own transport. There is a bus stop on the B425 however there is no pedestrian links from that to the potential site.

If you are commenting on multiple sites you will need to complete a separate sheet for each representation

Sheet 2 of 10

* Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding
No comment
* Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;
The proposed 15 pitch site will contain up to 50 vehicles and generate hundreds of traffic movements daily. It is on the junction of two major roads and access into the traffic flow will possibly need highway improvements. It is possibly unwise to introduce even more traffic turns at this major junction and it will certainly add significantly to existing peak time delays. GT02 is sited on the junction of two main roads with high traffic flows and the Fosse Way in particular sees fast traffic despite the nearby speed camera and is a designated High Risk Route by the County Council.
* Avoiding areas where there is the potential for noise and disturbance
This site is adjacent to the Fosse Way a very busy and noisy main road.
* Provision of utilities (running water, toilet facilities waste disposal etc);
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the
electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
* Avoiding areas where there could be an adverse impact on important, features of the natural and historic environment;
* This choice of site overlooks the fact that at this point the Fosse Way, as the original Roman road built nearly 2000 years ago is known, is on its original alignment and there is likely to be considerable archaeological remains in the area which will be destroyed by the development. There was also a tollhouse at this point in the 17th and 18th centuries and remains have been found. Nearby there are traditional historic Woodlands which contain rare species so this criteria is not met. The proposed site is in a valley therefore it is physically impossible for it to blend into the surrounding landscape when viewed coming down the hills on three sides. In my view, the site would have an adverse impact on the environment
* Sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is four times the size of the Exhibition Centre and if the Enfusion (consultants) recommendation to include working space is adopted this would possibly increase to 6 times the area of the Exhibition Centre. There will be a large variety of caravans and vehicles on the site so, being in the bottom of the valley, it cannot be integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area.
* Promotes peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community;
In this respect the local community forms two distinct sections. There is a very small community of some 20 houses within half a mile of the site along the Fosse Way and the far greater community in the village of Radford Semele over 1.5 miles away. It will be difficult to integrate the residents into the local Fosse Way community as with up to 120 residents on site rather than integrate they will actually absorb the local community. This does not meet the criteria of a peaceful and integrated co-existence.
* Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services;
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand. It would also put undue pressure on local doctor's surgery where it is unusual to be able to get a same day appointment as it stands
* Reflects the extent to which traditional lifestyles (whereby some travellers live and work from the same location thereby omitting many travel to work journeys) can contribute to sustainability.
No comment
If you are commenting on multiple sites you will need to complete a separate sheet for each representation

Sheet 3 of 10
Other issues which I consider should be taken into consideration
Local Business/Employment
There are several businesses located at GT 02 in addition to the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. They include salad producers, specialist storage, event management and publishing. Collectively they employ between 50 and 60 people and the site would cause significant difficulties for all.
Should this site be chosen, then due to the PERCEPTION of event organisers It is estimated that within two years the Exhibition Centre would lose sufficient events to make it impossible to continue operating and the company itself would cease to exist resulting in upwards of ten permanent job losses and a further 30 event staff losses.
Tourism and the wider economic situation
It is anticipated that the Exhibition Centre will contribute in the region of £5 million to the local economy in hotel accommodation, restaurants, entertainment, bus and taxi usage over the coming four years. Events attract visitors from a wide area and it is often the case that husbands/wives/partners will use the exhibition bus service to go shopping in Leamington Spa whilst spouses enjoy the exhibitions. This would all be lost if the Exhibition Centre were to close.
Archaeology and Heritage
GT 02 is located right next to the historic Fosse Way. The road now known as the Fosse Way was built following the Roman invasion in AD 43, nearly 2000 years ago, and has been a major highway throughout the centuries. There was a tollhouse on the junction of the Fosse Way and Southam Road in the 17th and 18th centuries. If GT 02 is approved it is important that a major archaeological dig should take place prior to site work so that the archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded.
Urbanisation
GT 02 will involve considerable infrastructure in addition to the actual site. Its proximity to the roundabout may require traffic control and road widening to provide a right turning lane for access. Further features could include bus shelters and a pedestrian crossing and more street lighting would be needed.
Agriculture
At present the proposed GT02 site is part of an area of some 50 acres of good quality, extensively farmed land. Unauthorised intrusion from GT 02 into the agricultural land could result in contractors not wishing to risk tractors and equipment and this together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land ceasing to be farmed and becoming unsightly.
Rural Landscape
The area surrounding GT 02 is rural and agricultural in aspect and the proposed site will be a major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area. If the site is built, the council will be ill placed to prevent further 'ribbon' development.
Animal Welfare
Located close to GT 02 are Fosse Alpaca and Kune Kune Pigs, a business breeding these rare breed livestock. The Alpaca herd numbers 30 animals and the owners are extremely conscious of bio security and the need to protect the animals from diseases such as foot and mouth, bTB and Parro virus. These diseases can be spread by human trespass and unvaccinated dogs. The animals graze on fields between GT 02 and the Grand Union Canal.
Ecology and Habitat
GT 02 is close to two historic traditional Woodlands, which provide a habitat for birds and small mammals that would be greatly affected by the proposed site and the possible intrusion and activities of younger residents. It is known to be a habitat for Pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and also great crested newts (Triturus cristatus), amongst other species.
If you are commenting on multiple sites you will need to complete a separate sheet for each representation

Sheet 4 of 10

The policy in the Draft Local Plan will list the criteria by which Gypsy and Traveller sites will be judged for suitability and sustainability. These are the criteria:

- Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;

- Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding;

- Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;

- Avoiding areas where there is the potential for noise and other disturbance;

- Provision of utilities (running water, toilet facilities, waste disposal, etc);

- Avoiding areas where there could be adverse impact on important features of the natural and historic environment; and,

- Sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area.

- Promotes peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community;

- Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services;

- Reflects the extent to which traditional lifestyles (whereby some travellers live and work from the same location thereby omitting many travel to work journeys) can contribute to sustainability.

Please give your views about site suitability below with reference to this list of criteria.

Which site are you responding to?

Site GT03 - Land at Barnwell Farm

What is the nature of your representation? Object
Please set out full details of your objection or representation of support with reference to the criteria above.
* Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;
This site is in excess of 1.5miles from any GP surgery. The proposed site is outside of the catchment area of Harbury Surgery and the nearest surgery is the Warwick Gates Family Health Centre which approximately3 miles away which I understand is full so there is no convenient access to a surgery.
The position with regard to schooling is similar with GT03 being outside of the Harbury catchment area and Harbury Primary School has had recent issues with too many children already. There are several schools in Whitnash (over 2 miles away) with limited capacity.
The public transport whilst satisfactory is largely irrelevant as the residents are unlikely to use anything other than their own transport. There is a bus stop on the Harbury Lane however there is no pedestrian links from that to the potential site.
* Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding
The area is prone to flooding. Fields are often under water and livestock and ponies moved accordingly. The area is effectively a flood plain.
Harbury Lane is often flooded and impassable.
* Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;
The proposed 15 pitch site will contain up to 50 vehicles and generate hundreds of traffic movements daily. It is on the junction of two major roads and access into the traffic flow will possibly need highway improvements. It is possibly unwise to introduce even more traffic turns at this major junction and it will certainly add significantly to existing peak time delays. GT03 is sited on the junction of two main roads with high traffic flows and the Fosse Way in particular sees fast traffic despite the nearby speed camera and is a designated High Risk Route by the County Council. There have more than 12 Serious Accidents at this junction over the last 3 years.
* Avoiding areas where there is the potential for noise and disturbance
This site is adjacent the Fosse Way a very busy and noisy main road.
* Provision of utilities (running water, toilet facilities waste disposal etc);
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the
electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
GT03 is considered by British Telecom to be too far from the Whitnash Telephone Exchange to provide an adequate telephone or internet service (They term it as a long line). They will not upgrade the system resulting in poor telephone connections and intermittent (<1mbs) internet service.
GT03 does not have a reliable mobile phone service. There are no mobile phone networks that provide more than a mediocre service.
* Avoiding areas where there could be an adverse impact on important, features of the natural and historic environment;
This choice of site overlooks the fact that at this point the Fosse Way, as the original Roman road built nearly 2000 years ago is known, is on its original alignment and there is likely to be considerable archaeological remains in the area which will be destroyed by the development. There was also a tollhouse nearby in the 17th and 18th centuries and remains have been found.
* Sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is larger than Barnwell Farm and if the Enfusion (consultants) recommendation to include working space is adopted this would possibly increase to 1.5 times the area of the farm. There will be a large variety of caravans and vehicles on the site so, being in the bottom of the valley, it cannot integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area.
* Promotes peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community;
In this respect the local community forms two distinct sections. There is a very small community of some 20 houses within half a mile of the site along the Fosse Way and the far greater community in the villages of Harbury and Whitnash over 1.5 miles away.
It will be difficult to integrate the residents into the local Fosse Way community as with up to 120 residents on site rather than integrate they will actually absorb the local community. This does not meet the criteria of a peaceful and integrated co-existence.
* Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services;
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
* Reflects the extent to which traditional lifestyles (whereby some travellers live and work from the same location thereby omitting many travel to work journeys) can contribute to sustainability.
No comment
If you are commenting on multiple sites you will need to complete a separate sheet for each representation
Sheet 6 of 10
Other issues which I consider should be taken into consideration
Local Business/Employment
There are many businesses that operate from GT03 site and the surrounding area and will potentially suffer if the proposed sites go ahead. For example:
1. Will Russell - Farm land being fully utilised for sheep
2. Bob Wright - land being used for arable farming
3. Fosse Garage
4. Rollason Fencing
5. Barnwell Chicken Farm
6. MH Polo Ltd - teaching people to ride ponies
7. Fosse Paddocks Ltd - farming and ponies
8. Warwick Reclamation
9. Mallory Court Hotel
10. Harbury Lane Breakers Yard
11. There are many others.
Archaeology and Heritage
GT 03 is located right next to the historic Fosse Way. The road now known as the Fosse Way was built following the Roman invasion in AD 43, nearly 2000 years ago, and has been a major highway throughout the centuries. There was a tollhouse on the junction of the Fosse Way and Southam Road in the 17th and 18th centuries. If GT 03 is approved it is important that a major archaeological dig should take place prior to site work so that the archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded.
Urbanisation
GT 03 will involve considerable infrastructure in addition to the actual site. Its proximity to the roundabout may require traffic control and road widening to provide a right turning lane for access. Further features could include bus shelters and a pedestrian crossing and more street lighting would be needed.
Agriculture
At present the proposed GT03 site is part of an area of good quality, extensively farmed land. Unauthorised intrusion from GT 03 into the agricultural land could result in contractors not wishing to risk tractors and equipment and this together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land ceasing to be farmed and becoming unsightly.
Rural Landscape
The area surrounding GT 03 is rural and agricultural in aspect and the proposed site will be a major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area. If the site is built, the council will be ill placed to prevent further 'ribbon' development.

If you are commenting on multiple sites you will need to complete a separate sheet for each representation

Sheet 7 of 10

The policy in the Draft Local Plan will list the criteria by which Gypsy and Traveller sites will be judged for suitability and sustainability. These are the criteria:

- Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;

- Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding;

- Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;

- Avoiding areas where there is the potential for noise and other disturbance;

- Provision of utilities (running water, toilet facilities, waste disposal, etc);

- Avoiding areas where there could be adverse impact on important features of the natural and historic environment; and,

- Sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area.

- Promotes peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community;

- Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services;

- Reflects the extent to which traditional lifestyles (whereby some travellers live and work from the same location thereby omitting many travel to work journeys) can contribute to sustainability.

Please give your views about site suitability below with reference to this list of criteria.

Which site are you responding to?

Site GT04 - Land at Harbury Lane, Fosse Way

What is the nature of your representation? Object
Please set out full details of your objection or representation of support with reference to the criteria above.
* Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;
This site is in excess of 1.5miles from any GP surgery. The proposed site is outside of the catchment area of Harbury Surgery and the nearest surgery is the Warwick Gates Family Health Centre which approximately3 miles away which I understand is full so there is no convenient access to a surgery.
The position with regard to schooling is similar with GT03 being outside of the Harbury catchment area and Harbury Primary School has had recent issues with too many children already. There are several schools in Whitnash (over 2 miles away) with limited capacity.
The public transport whilst satisfactory is largely irrelevant as the residents are unlikely to use anything other than their own transport. There is a bus stop on the Harbury Lane however there is no pedestrian links from that to the potential site.
* Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding
The area is prone to flooding. Fields are often under water and livestock and ponies moved accordingly. The area is effectively a flood plain.
The Middle Road/ Fosse Way junction is often flooded
Harbury Lane is often flooded and impassable.
* Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;
The proposed 15 pitch site will contain up to 50 vehicles and generate hundreds of traffic movements daily. It is on the junction of two major roads and access into the traffic flow will possibly need highway improvements. It is possibly unwise to introduce even more traffic turns at this major junction and it will certainly add significantly to existing peak time delays. GT04 is sited on the junction of two main roads with high traffic flows and the Fosse Way in particular sees fast traffic despite the nearby speed camera and is a designated High Risk Route by the County Council. There have been more than 12 Serious Accidents at this junction over the last 3 years.
* Avoiding areas where there is the potential for noise and disturbance
This site is adjacent the Fosse Way a very busy and noisy main road.
In addition this is adjacent the Birmingham to London Chiltern railway line, causing both noise and a potential danger.
* Provision of utilities (running water, toilet facilities waste disposal etc);
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the
electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
GT04 is considered by British Telecom to be too far from the Whitnash Telephone Exchange to provide an adequate telephone or internet service (They term it as a long line). They will not upgrade the system resulting in poor telephone connections and intermittent (<1mbs) internet service.
GT04 does not have a reliable mobile phone service. There are no mobile phone networks that provide more than a mediocre service.
* Avoiding areas where there could be an adverse impact on important, features of the natural and historic environment;
This choice of site overlooks the fact that at this point the Fosse Way, as the original Roman road built nearly 2000 years ago is known, is on its original alignment and there is likely to be
considerable archaeological remains in the area which will be destroyed by the development. There was also a tollhouse nearby in the 17th and 18th centuries and remains have been found.
* Sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is larger than the New Windmill Football Ground and if the Enfusion (consultants) recommendation to include working space is adopted this would possibly increase to twice the area of the football ground. There will be a large variety of caravans and vehicles on the site so, being in the bottom of the valley, it cannot integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area.
* Promotes peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community;
In this respect the local community forms two distinct sections. There is a very small community of some 20 houses within half a mile of the site along the Fosse Way and the far greater community in the villages of Harbury and Whitnash over 1.5 miles away.
It will be difficult to integrate the residents into the local Fosse Way community as with up to 120 residents on site rather than integrate they will actually absorb the local community. This does not meet the criteria of a peaceful and integrated co-existence.
* Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services;
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
* Reflects the extent to which traditional lifestyles (whereby some travellers live and work from the same location thereby omitting many travel to work journeys) can contribute to sustainability.
No comment
If you are commenting on multiple sites you will need to complete a separate sheet for each representation

Sheet 9 of 10
Other issues which I consider should be taken into consideration
Local Business/Employment
There are many businesses that operate from GT04 site and the surrounding area and will potentially suffer if the proposed sites go ahead. For example:
1. Will Russell - Farm land being fully utilised for sheep
2. Bob Wright - land being used for arable farming
3. Fosse Garage
4. Rollason Fencing
5. Barnwell Chicken Farm
6. MH Polo Ltd - teaching people to ride ponies
7. Fosse Paddocks Ltd - farming and ponies
8. Warwick Reclamation
9. Mallory Court Hotel
10. Harbury Lane Breakers Yard
11. There are many others.
Archaeology and Heritage
GT 04 is located right next to the historic Fosse Way. The road now known as the Fosse Way was built following the Roman invasion in AD 43, nearly 2000 years ago, and has been a major highway throughout the centuries. There was a tollhouse on the junction of the Fosse Way and Southam Road in the 17th and 18th centuries. If GT 04 is approved it is important that a major archaeological dig should take place prior to site work so that the archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded.
Urbanisation
GT 04 will involve considerable infrastructure in addition to the actual site. Its proximity to the roundabout may require traffic control and road widening to provide a right turning lane for access. Further features could include bus shelters and a pedestrian crossing and more street lighting would be needed.
Agriculture
At present the proposed GT04 site is part of an area of good quality, extensively farmed land. Unauthorised intrusion from GT 04 into the agricultural land could result in contractors not wishing to risk tractors and equipment and this together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land ceasing to be farmed and becoming unsightly.
Rural Landscape
The area surrounding GT 04 is rural and agricultural in aspect and the proposed site will be a major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area. If the site is built, the council will be ill placed to prevent further 'ribbon' development.

My wife and I wish to strongly object to the proposal to build a gypsy / travellers site at Radford Semele.

We object on the grounds that Radford Semele cannot provide the necessary services in order to sustain an increase in the population. By that we mean the following:- 1. The local Doctors Surgery is already at capacity as is the village school.
2. The closure of the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre would result in 40 people losing their jobs and also lost would be the money generated by the Exhibition Centre for the local economy.
3. The proposed site is on a high accident risk travel route with more that 12 serious accidents in the last 3 years.
4. There is no footpath in the area for the gypsies / travellers to use to get anywhere.
5. The nearest bus stop has no pull-in area and there is only a grass verge 6. The site is on the Archaeological Register with ancient pottery found recently. The site is next to the Fosse Way which is a major Roman Road and there is an historic toll site nearby.
7. The visual impact of such a site would be detrimental to the approach to Radfeord Semele.
8. Such a site would prove detrimental to the wildlife habitat in the area

I write in reference in clear objection of the proposed plans for a Gypsy / Traveller site to be located at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.

I am utterly appalled with this proposition as it gives no consideration to those that live within the local area contributing to different tax bodies.

The grounds in which I object are:

* Whilst recently moving to the area I have been fortunate enough to attend one event held at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre and given my keen interest in model sets I plan to visit two further events due to be held at this location by the turn of the year. I fear that should the travellers site be moved here that there would be a significant decline in interest for organisers/attendees of such events and this facility would be lost. Given the plans for HS2 and the possibility of closure of the Stoneleigh Exhibition Centre there would be a detrimental effect on local tourism and indeed Leamington Spa and Warwick.

* My other reasoning for objecting this proposal is that having recently moved to the area I found it hard enough as it was to register myself with the local Doctors surgery - I assume the impact of a significantly increased population would further impact upon this service. I live with my partner and we are currently at the stage of planning a family - having spoken to my neighbour where they have only just managed to secure a place at the local junior school I am concerned with the current availability and would have strong reservations about sending my child to a school several miles away for all the obvious reasons.

I would be grateful if you could advise that this objection has been received and added to the relevant inbox file.

I wish to object most strongly at the proposal to purchase the Warwickshire Exhibition site for the use of travellers and gypsies.

How can you justify taking away someone's livelihood (apparently already affected) and the 40 or so jobs that go with it, in order to provide somewhere for people who do not work and do not pay taxes?
The site is on a high risk travel route which is busy particularly in the summer and at peak times.
It is near to protected wild life in ancient woodland.
It is nowhere near to local amenities such as schools, doctors' surgeries, shops, so there is likely to be constant coming and going from the site causing disruption to traffic.
There is a great possibility that the site could be permanently ruined as other sites in the country have been, therefore being detrimental to the historic rural countryside.

If a site has to be found for these people, surely one could be found without destroying the thriving Exhibition centre. I cannot believe that this proposal has been suggested in the first place

To whom it may concern,

Re: New Local Plan Gypsy and Traveller's site located at GT02 land abutting the fosse way at the junction with the A425

Having reviewed the proposed local plan along with the independent survey that was carried out on all the locations, I have several key points/concerns why GT02 is a inappropriate site to which I object.
Reasons:
Impact on the local economy
Currently the location has a business already sighted at GT02 which is thriving and has year on yearn growth. The Warwick Exhibition Centre has confirmed that prospective business has already been lost due to the prospect of GT02 and it would loose further business if the proposed site were to be adopted. This would place 40 jobs at risk and have an impact on the local community/ economy. WEC contributes £2m to the local economy each year and also assists other local business via referral business all which would be at risk if GT02 were adopted.
Access to local amenities
Having contacted the nearest doctors surgery's I have been informed that they have no capacity for an influx of new patients. Both croft medical and Harbury GP are currently full. The next nearest available doctors surgery that has capacity is almost 5miles away with no direct bus service.
Equally, I have contacted the nearest schools who have also confirmed that they are nearing capacity and would find it very difficult to serve an influx of pupils. This therefore questions the due diligence of the 3rd party consultants that were employed by WDC who conduct a survey on each of the sites to assess the viability as the information they have recorded is NOT accurate and therefore should not be used as a basis to asses the site GT02
Travel
The location of the site is on a very high risk route. Over the past 3year 12 serious accidents have occurred which is reaffirmed by all the high risk signs that are placed up and down the Fosse Way.
There are no pavements that serve the site to the village of Radford Semele which is potentially very dangerous for pedestrians and the bus stop that does serve is inadequate as the stop is very close to the road and does not even have minimum hard standing or canopy to protect the consumer. It must be stressed that the fosse way along with Radford and Southam Road are very busy commuter routes which are very dangerous both for pedestrians and cyclists.
Environment
Visual impact at site GT02 would be great especially as the location of the site is at the bottom of a valley travelling both from Southam and Radford. The site would therefore be very noticeable from all direction and contravenes WDC policy.

Due to all of the above I confirm that I object to the site GT02

Objection to Gypsy and Traveler Site GT 02

Whilst the Local Authorities responsibilities are recognised, it is submitted that proposed site GT02 is inappropriate as follows;
It is immediately adjacent to an extremely busy road which is a High Risk travel route. The inherent risks attached to this location are undeniable. (A friend of mine was killed by a vehicle reversing out of a Gypsy / Traveler camp onto the road she was travelling on. The fact that the Traveler's vehicle should never have been reversing out didn't change the sad outcome). The availability and accessibility of local facilities is poor; in particular there is no nearby doctors surgery able to cope with the extra medical support. I recommend that this option is not pursued as a Gypsy site.

see attached

Two separate sites are divided by the Fosse road. Therefore, likely to be an increase in people traffic between the two proposed communities on each side, on an already busy road. This either creates an increased risk to those (including children) crossing the road, or severe disruption to traffic flow. Of all the proposed sites, this is the only one which is divided by such a main road.

This area is not a cycle-friendly route, particularly for younger people, with no bike lanes, no hard shoulder or pavement and frequent HGVs and also wide farm vehicles. I am a confident and frequent cyclist but avoid cycling those roads because of the risk.

Site will connect to roads near a very busy junction (4 exit roundabout). I use this road on my commute to Southam daily, and am aware of just how busy this junction is, for both commuter traffic and heavy goods vehicles. A425 is a particularly key route between East and West Midlands, with connections south to the M40 motorway also, and any increase to traffic flow would cause severe impacts.

Loss of a Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, a valuable and convenient venue on the doorstep of Radford Semele and surrounding Leamington areas, would be a great loss and decrease the attractiveness of the area economically.

The site would not complement or be in keeping with the surrounding area visually, and would detract from the area's natural beauty.

I have serious concerns about this proposal for several reasons; the first of these is the substantial impact on the local economy that would result.

The Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, which is at present on the site, is a thriving business employing forty people during exhibitions, and is a superb facility serving the area. The owners have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in developing their business, and in 2012 there were 33,000 visitors to the various events held at the Exhibition Centre. This number is projected to grow as the Centre attracts more events. Clearly this significant number of visitors feeds into the local area, bringing business to local pubs, restaurants, garages and shops. The Centre itself provides a bus service into Leamington, and I have personally met with visitors in Leamington, who were staying at a local hotel, having a meal in a restaurant in town, and planning a shopping trip too. This perfectly illustrates the positive effect the Exhibition Centre has on the local economy, forecast to be £4,000,000 by 2017. I cannot see the logic or justification for allowing a thriving local business to fail, particularly in view of the jobs that would be lost.

I am also concerned about the impact of the proposed site on the historic and rural environment. From the historical perspective, this site is on the Archaeological Register, with ancient pottery having recently been found. Indeed the Fosseway itself, a major Roman road, is recognised on the Archaeological Register by Warwick District Council.
Environmentally, there would be a high visual impact, because the site is in a valley and therefore visible from a wide area. It would not be feasible therefore to shield the site with hedging, and the site would be detrimental to the whole valley, which is one of the main approach routes into Leamington and Warwick.

Considering these concerns, alongside the lack of access to local amenities and the fact that the site is on a High Risk Crash Route, it is my conclusion that this site is totally unsuitable for the proposed Gypsy and Traveller Site.
Please take these comments into consideration when this matter is discussed.

I OBJECT to the proposal for travellers site.

On the grounds of


1. Nearest Docs is 5 miles away. School not walking distance and car transport to school makes school lane dangerous
2. Junction onto Fosse is dangerous . It is a know 'black spot' for accidents
3. Warwickshire Exhibition Centre will close down. Why should it have to? Loss of local jobs and money in the local economy.

This email is in opposition to the proposed applications for gypsy sites around Long Itchington. My objections are based on 15yrs living in Bidford on Avon where we were plagued with travellers who smashed up the youth club, destroyed the local garage/ filling station. Attacked local youths and called at my house many times demanding to be driven to places, aggresively pushed for work including tarmacing. landscapeing and various other things over the years. They drove around Bidford and Marlcliff spitting on whoever came within range. Men, women and children were all their targets with NO support or action from the Police. The sites are no-go areas and overcrowded with little or no repect for the planning laws. If the government says sites must be provided then let them make room in Downing street and Kensington. They would see it from an entirely different point of view.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council (SDC) makes the following comments in respect of Warwick District Council's 'Sites for Gypsies and Travellers' consultation document, dated June 2013.

SDC understands that this document is effectively a scoping consultation to provide a steer to Warwick District Council in order to assist them in identifying suitable specific sites for Gypsies and Travellers to meet their needs over the 15 year plan period. Following this consultation, Warwick District Council will further consult on its Preferred Options (i.e. sites). SDC draws Warwick District Council's attention to best practice and Government guidance, particularly in respect of optimum site size, use of strategic sites and the requirement for co-existence between the settled and traveller communities.

SDC supports the inclusion of a criteria-based policy for bringing forward suitable sites for Gypsy and Traveller pitches through a DPD. This should also apply to proposals bought forward via a planning application. However, SDC considers that this policy might be strengthened through the inclusion of further criteria, for example:
* The site will not be located on unstable or contaminated land that cannot be mitigated
* The site will have a good residential environment and be of good quality design
* The site will not adversely impact on neighbouring residential amenity
* Arrangements are put in place to ensure the proper management and retention of the site

The latter three criteria are particularly important given the close proximity of the broad locations to Stratford-on-Avon District. SDC considers that mechanisms should be put in place to ensure that the site identification approach takes account of the likely impacts on the wider locality, irrespective of administrative boundaries, and those residents in Stratford District affected by the proposals are engaged and consulted to the same degree as residents of Warwick District.

In respect of the broad locations, it is unclear how they have been identified since no assessment is provided and the benefits of these particular locations are not shown. This begs the question as to why these particular locations have been selected rather than, say, an adjacent parcel of land. Notwithstanding this, it is acknowledged that any Gypsy and Traveller site would only form a small parcel of land within any one broad location, and there would be only one site per broad location. SDC endorses this approach. However, some of the identified broad locations are in very close proximity with each other. SDC considers that some broad locations should be treated as mutually exclusive and the identification of actual sites in close proximity, albeit in separate broad locations, should be avoided. The following broad locations ought to be considered as mutually exclusive:
* sites GT03 and GT04
* sites GT05, GT09 and GT10
* sites GT05, GT06, GT09 and GT15
* sites GT12 and GT16

SDC is concerned at the proximity of many proposed sites where such a relatively high density of traveller facilities may create a disproportionately high concentration of caravan and temporary buildings that may impact adversely upon the openness and character of the landscape and otherwise impact on the balance between the settled and traveller communities. SDC note that many of the sites are for 12-15 pitches, which could result in 30 caravans plus facilities per site. Optimum site size is generally considered to be 5 pitches.

SDC is also aware that Warwick District Council is proposing two strategic allocations: the first to the south of Warwick and Witnash around the Europa Way and Harbury Lane junction, and the second to the south of Whitnash, east of the railway. Apart from broad location 15 which appears to abut the first on the A452, no broad locations are related to either strategic allocation. SDC considers that these options should be explored further given that locations in more rural areas may potentially be further away from services and facilities.

Until specific sites are identified as part of the Preferred Options consultation SDC, SDC does not consider it is in a position to provide specific comments on the suitability or otherwise of the broad locations. Notwithstanding this SDC would welcome the opportunity to work with Warwick District Council as part of the plan-making process. Finally, I draw your attention to a factual error. To avoid confusion, Site GT02 should be re-titled to read 'Land abutting the Fosse Way at its junction with the A425', not the B425 which is in Solihull.

I am writing to object to the gypsy site opening near the village of Harbury were i live, The reason for my objection is because last year a couple of gypsy travellers came to our village to stay for about 3 months, They abused and terrorised my son and threatned my family if he told any one, they held a gun to his head and a knife to his throat , My son did not tell me about this for 3 weeks as he was scared stiff, bcause they said they would hurt his family if he did so , The police were involved once i new about this , So you can see why i would want to object to this application

The three proposed sites that are either abutting or adjacent to the parish are: GT02, GT03 and GT04.
GTO2 - Land either side of the Fosse Way (B4455) north of the junction with the A425.
GT03 - Land SE of the junction of Harbury Lane and the Fosse Way (aka Bendigo Mitchell Crossroads)
GT04 - Land NW of the junction of Harbury Lane and the Fosse Way.
Harbury Parish Council fully accepts that WDC and SDC should provide suitable sites for travellers. However it does not believe that these specific sites are suitable on planning grounds.
The consultation document suggests a number of criteria that might make a site suitable for traveller use.
Medical facilities - the nearest medical facility to these three sites is the surgery in Harbury. Discussions with the Senior Partner at Harbury surgery indicate that the surgery is already struggling to cope with demand. It has more than 6,000 registered patients since it serves Harbury, Bishops Itchington, and a number of the smaller surrounding communities including Ufton and Chesterton. Without significant extra resources to physically expand the medical facilities, there is no way the surgery could accept additional patients. Conclusion: There are no suitable medical facilities close to the proposed sites.
Schooling - the nearest primary school is Harbury Primary, but as with the surgery, it is already oversubscribed by children in the catchment area. School age children would likely have to travel into Leamington. Conclusion: There are no suitable educational facilities close to the proposed sites.
Public transport - these sites are not ideal. At GT03 & GT04 there are no footpaths for pedestrians, and might require a stop on the Fosse Way itself, adding to the accident risk. Conclusion: The proposed sites are not on existing public transport networks.
Safe access to the road network - All of these proposed sites are on a busy main road. The speed limit is 60mph and there have 57 accidents in the past five years on the Fosse between the B4100 and the A425. Three people have lost their lives in road accidents on this part of the Fosse in the past three years alone. Adding more traffic to this road, particularly junctions would inevitably increase the accident risk, particularly if some of those vehicles are slow moving (eg caravans/trailers). The potential risk both to travellers and the local population makes each of these three sites unsuitable. Conclusion: These sites do not offer safe access to the road network.
Flooding - Parts of GT03 and GT04 are noted on the flood maps on the Environment Agency website as being at risk of flooding. Conclusion: WDC should research these sites comprehensively to assess the flood risk.
Impact on the historic landscape - both GT03 and GT04 are adjacent to the Roman Fort at Chesterton and the iconic windmill at Chesterton. Conclusion: The sites would have a detrimental impact on the historic landscape.
It is also noted that these three proposed sites, along with several others (GT1, GT10, GT12, & GT16) are on the boundary between Warwick and Stratford Districts. The impact of any traveller sites would thus largely be felt in the neighbouring district and not by council-tax payers in Warwick district.
Summary
As all three proposed sites would place considerable strain on the local resources and facilities, while also adding to the accident risk, it would appear that GT02, GT03 or GT04 are not suitable sites for travellers.

Dear Sirs,

I write to voice my objection for the proposed plans for a Gypsy / Traveller site to be located at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.

The grounds in which I object are:
* I have a keen interest in the rural environment and take great pleasure in exploring the local countryside. I have enjoyed this since a very young age and my partner and I moved to this area just a few months ago due to its location and rural setting. Given that the proposed site is in a valley this will be viewed by many people visiting Leamington and Warwick and will significantly damage local habitats.
* The proposed site is on a high risk travel route with no bus stops nor pavements installed which will inevitably lead to safety issues.
* Having recently moved to the area, my partner and I are looking to start a family in the near future. Following discussion with our neighbours regarding the over-subscription to our local primary school, however, I would be concerned that if this development were to go ahead the situation is likely to get even worse.

I feel extremely strongly about this proposition.

I am writing to express my opposition to a gypsy/traveller site at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. I have a number of serious objections.
Firstly, I was very surprised when I found out that the potential site would involve compulsory purchase which would lead to the closure of a flourishing local business, the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. This organisation makes a valuable contribution to the local area, creating direct employment for up to 40 people and indirect employment for many more. In these days I find it difficult to believe that a decision would be taken that would lead directly to the closure of a successful and important local business and the loss of local jobs.
Secondly, I am very concerned about the impact on traffic and the safety of both users of the potential travellers' site and other road users. The Fosse Way is a notoriously dangerous road and on this particular stretch there have been numerous recent accidents. I am concerned to think of the danger to the traveller children who are going to live adjacent to this road. It is alarming to think of them walking out or using bicycles to take themselves about. There is very little room to pass a cyclist and absolutely no pavements to walk on. This is a dangerous position in which to place families. I am also very concerned at the prospect of the creation of a site which would result in many additional vehicles constantly coming in and out of a new entrance and joining the Fosse Way every day. In my experience, a lot of incidents on this road are caused by local traffic emerging from side roads at slower speeds than the long distance drivers. These drivers think they are on a major road where they can travel at consistently high speed and do not appreciate the danger of slower local traffic pulling on and off the main road.
I am also concerned that this site is far from ideal because of the difficulty of access to vital local amenities including a doctor's surgery and primary school. There is no public transport from the site to either. Users of the site would have to walk a significant distance along the dangerous road to the nearest bus stop, or travel by car with the dangers described above. It is also possible that these local amenities would not have the capacity to cope with the influx.
My final concern is that this beautiful rural area in which I live is having its essential characteristics whittled away. Ufton Wood is ancient woodland, precious and needing to be protected. The area abounds with wildlife and is the approach to major tourist areas. This site is on the Archaeological Register and should be protected not have its nature destroyed.
For these reasons, I think it wrong to locate a new gypsy/traveller site at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.

Dear Sir/Madam

With reference to the proposed traveller sites GT02, GT03, and GT04 please find below our objection to the plans.

The three sites are all close to an exceptionally busy highway, the Fosse way. There are no bus routes, safe footpaths or access points to the sites and there would be a disregard for the cycle path. The traffic on the fosse way has increased dramatically with the expansion of the jaguar land rover sites at Gaydon. Thus making the sites a poor choice on the basis of safety reasons for all users of this already saturated travel network.

We fear it would create a huge strain on resources especially with the school, pre-school and doctors surgery which can at times already take two weeks to obtain an appointment.

It is also of concern that the proposed sites are around flood risk areas and would contribute to over development of the open countryside.

I am writing to express my opposition to gypsies and travellers being given the right to occupy land at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. I have several serious objections.
Firstly, this beautiful rural area in which I live is having its essential characteristics whittled away. Ufton Wood is supposed to be ancient woodland, precious and needing to be protected. The area abounds with wildlife and is the approach to major tourist areas. In my village there are holiday properties for visitors to the rural and historic Warwickshire area. Surely a site for the travellers would adversely affect attempts to encourage tourists to the area. This site is on the Archaeological Register and should be protected not have its nature destroyed.
Secondly, I was disbelieving when I found that you were going to acquire land which would result in a flourishing business having to close - The Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. I feel you may not be aware of the valuable contribution this business makes to the local area. It provides local work, and, in addition, accessible casual work for our young people. I don't feel you appreciate the difficulties of living in a rural area if you are planning to close a business which can flourish in a location like this.
My third objection concerns the traffic in the area. Having for many years commuted to work along the Fosse Way, I am horrified that you are thinking of creating a site which would result in multiple vehicles coming out of a new entrance and joining the Fosse Way. In my experience, a lot of incidents on this road are caused by local traffic emerging from side roads at slower speeds than the long distance drivers. These drivers think they are on a major road where can travel at consistently high speed and resent slowing for local traffic. I believe there have been 12 serious accidents in the last 3 years; to my knowledge 2 of these have involved the deaths of 2 local people. These could be my children. I do not think you should be adding to the danger of such a road. I am also concerned to think of the danger to the traveller children who are going to live adjacent to this road. It is alarming to think of them getting off school buses, or using bicycles to take themselves about. There is very little room to pass a cyclist and absolutely no pavements to walk on. This is a dangerous position in which to place families.
I also remember that when my own children attended Harbury School, newcomers to the village often had difficulties obtaining the required places at the school. I doubt very much our fragile local services could cope very well with a big influx of newcomers. There will be absolutely no access to services except by driving, which is highly undesirable.
For these reasons, I think this would be an inappropriate location for a new traveller site.

I would like to register my objection to the proposed site at The Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. My reasons for doing so are:-

1. Site situated on a high risk travel route where a large number of serious accidents have occurred in the last few years. It is also potentially dangerous for any buses to stop and there is no pathway on the Fosse adjacent to the site.

2. The proposed site is listed on the archaeological register - recent pottery finds.

3. Local amenities are already stretched - for example the doctors' surgery has no capacity for an influx of new patients and the local primary school is almost at full capacity.

4. If the plan goes ahead, the WEC will close meaning up to 40 job losses and it would also take out a sum in excess of £2,000,000 from the local economy each year.

5. There is a risk of danger to wild life habitat as the site is adjacent to a protected ancient woodland. The visual impact across what is a beautiful green valley can only be detrimental.

Ref: Gypsy and Travellers Site Options, Site GT02. (Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, on the junction of Fosse Way and B425)

I am writing in response to Warwick Council's plans for a Gypsy/Traveller site at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. I wish to REGISTER MY OBJECTION to these plans for the following reasons:-

Warwickshire Exhibition Centre is a thriving business employing up to 40 people, contributing a substantial amount of money to the local economy each year. THIS BUSINESS WILL BE DESTROYED if your plans go ahead with subsequent loss of those jobs. This will in turn harm the local economy regarding businesses such as restaurants, bars and shops which benefit from trade from visitors to the Centre with the subsequent loss of employment of local people. I understand that the Exhibition Centre has lost prospective business already because of the proposed plans.

This site is not a suitable location for a gypsy/traveller site, the nearest doctor's surgery is full to capacity and the next nearest available surgeries are almost 5 miles away. The local primary school is almost full to capacity. IT WILL NOT BE SAFE FOR ANY CHILDREN to leave the site unattended, as there are NO FOOTPATHS OR CYCLEWAYS, it will even be dangerous for adults to use adjacent roads on foot or cycle. The only bus stop is on an overgrown grass verge on a busy commuter route with no path or pavement to walk on. The site is on a high risk travel route with more than 12 serious accidents in the last three years. Cycling is particularly hazardous on this route. Additional use of adjacent roads by gypsies and their vehicles will simply increase these dangers

The site could not be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area. The visual impact across the valley gateway to Leamington and Warwick will be substantially impaired whilst the damage to wildlife habitat with the site adjacent to protected ancient woodland would be considerable. The site is also on the Archaeological Register with ancient pottery recently found and is also on an Historic Toll site from mediaeval times.

WARWICK COUNCIL HAS SURELY NOT DONE ITS HOMEWORK THOROUGHLY ON ITS PLANS FOR THIS SITE. IT IS TOTALLY UNSUITABLE WITH NEGATIVE KNOCK-ON CONSEQUENCES FOR THE WHOLE LOCAL COMMUNITY. WARWICK DISTRICT COUNCIL SHOULD NOT ALLOW THIS UNACCEPTABLE PLAN TO GO AHEAD .

To the Development Policy Manager,

I am writing to object to the proposed siting of a gypsy and travellers site at the Warwickshire exhibition centre (GT02) on the following basis:

1) Impact on local economy. If the plan goes ahead it is extremely likely that it would result in the closure of the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. Up to 40 local people are employed during exhibitions therefore these jobs will be at risk. Exhibitions at the site currently generate more than £2mil for the local economy and would be at risk. This is particularly important at a time of economic uncertainty.

2) Access to local amenities. The nearest doctor's surgery has no capacity for additional patients, therefore the nearest available doctor's surgery would be over 5 miles away with no direct bus service.

3) Travel. The site is on a high risk travel route with more than 12 serious accidents in the last 3 years. The adjacent bus service is on a grass verge with no pavement and could be potentially dangerous. There are no pavements on the nearby roads making walking anywhere from the site particularly hazardous. Cycling is also potentially dangerous on a busy commuter route. Significant investment would be needed to ensure safe travel from the site especially for children.

4) Historic Environment. The site is on the Archeological Register with ancient pottery recently found. The land is on a historic toll site from medieval times. It is likely an archeological dig would be required before any building work could take place (another costly expense).

5) Rural environment. There would be a visual impact across the valley which is a gateway to Leamington and Warwick. As the proposed site is located in a valley then it would not be possible to integrate the site into the surrounding landscape. There would also be potential damage to wildlife habitat as the site is adjacent to protected ancient woodland.

To the Development Policy Manager,

I am writing to object to the proposed siting of a gypsy and travellers site at the Warwickshire exhibition centre (GT02) on the following basis:

1) Impact on local economy. If the plan goes ahead it is extremely likely that it would result in the closure of the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. Up to 40 local people are employed during exhibitions therefore these jobs will be at risk. Exhibitions at the site currently generate more than £2mil for the local economy and would be at risk. This is particularly important at a time of economic uncertainty.

2) Access to local amenities. The nearest doctor's surgery has no capacity for additional patients, therefore the nearest available doctor's surgery would be over 5 miles away with no direct bus service.

3) Travel. The site is on a high risk travel route with more than 12 serious accidents in the last 3 years. The adjacent bus service is on a grass verge with no pavement and could be potentially dangerous. There are no pavements on the nearby roads making walking anywhere from the site particularly hazardous. Cycling is also potentially dangerous on a busy commuter route. Significant investment would be needed to ensure safe travel from the site especially for children.

4) Historic Environment. The site is on the Archeological Register with ancient pottery recently found. The land is on a historic toll site from medieval times. It is likely an archeological dig would be required before any building work could take place (another costly expense).

5) Rural environment. There would be a visual impact across the valley which is a gateway to Leamington and Warwick. As the proposed site is located in a valley then it would not be possible to integrate the site into the surrounding landscape. There would also be potential damage to wildlife habitat as the site is adjacent to protected ancient woodland.

Dear Sirs

I wish to protest at the development of the above site for the following reasons:

Rural environment:

As it stands at the moment, this site provides wonderful views, plenty of natural habitat for birds and all wildlife together with woodland. It is a beautiful valley and I am extremely worried about what will become of it. Also what about the businesses and homes, will they be able to co-exist?

Local Amenities:

Radford Semele has a good school but already has enough pupils. The GP Surgeries in Southam and the Sydenham are stretched to the utmost already and I speak from personal experience.

Travel:

The traffic density has increased considerably and this development will only exacerbate the situation. Should public transport be required, it would involve new roads. The Fosse Way already has Dangerous Road signs up along the way. It was never built for such a lot of traffic.

Local economy

What will happen to local businesses? They cannot co-exist in close proximity with further development so near to their business premises. They already give employment to local people and have done for many years. It horrifies me that businesses could close and redundancies occur. What about existing homes? How will they survive?

Archaeological Register

The land is an area of archeological interest and should be preserved at all costs.

I have lived in Radford Semele a total of 20 years and am really worried about the future development of this area. As for future developments, why cannot a rural site be provided that is more suitable with boundary hedges and trees. At all costs I feel any new development should not overwhelm existing homes, businesses, etc.

I am over 17 years of age.

Please will you print off this Protest to add to existing Protests.