Sites for Gypsies & Travellers
Preferred options for consultation
The District Council's preferred option is set out in PO1 Meeting the requirement for Permanent pitches. The intention is to provide 31 pitches on permanent sites.
The preferred option selects
GT04 Harbury Lane/Fosse Way up to 10 pitches
GT12 Westham Lane, Barford up to 8 pitches
GT15 East of Europa Way up to 5 pitches
GT19 Birmingham Road, Budbrooke up to 5 pitches
GTalt01 Brookside Willows Banbury Road up to 10 pitches
Total 38 pitches
Conclusion of my response

To provide 31 pitches I consider the best arrangement to be

1. GT04 Harbury Lane land north of the Football club (see section 4) 6 pitches
2. GT12 Land south of Westham Lane, Barford (see section 4) 0 pitches
GT12 land north of Westham Lane within new housing, as single pitches 3 pitches
3. GT19 Birmingham Road, Budbrooke (see section 4) 3 pitches
4. GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road (see section 4) 6 pitches
5. GT08 Land north of Depot near Cubbington Heath Farm (see section 5) 7 pitches
6. Riverside House affordable homes, in single pitches (see section 2) 3 pitches
7. Soans Sydenham affordable homes , in single pitches (see section 2) 3 pitches

TOTAL 31 pitches
1. Criteria for selection of sites.
The selection of sites for permanent pitches should be in line with the DCLG Designing Gypsy and Traveller Sites , Good Practice Guide dated May 2008 and which is still current.
Chapter 3 examines Location of sites and recommends, in paras 3.1 & 3.2

3.1 Selecting the right location for a site is a key element in supporting good community relations and maximising its success. As with any other form of housing, poorly located sites, with no easy access to major roads or public transport services, will have a detrimental effect on the ability of residents to:
* Seek or retain employment
* Attend school, further education or training
* Obtain access to health services and shopping facilities.
3.2 Easy access to local services, and to social contact with other residents in the community, should help deal with the myths and stereotypes which can cause community tension and instead encourage a greater sense of community with shared interests.

The Guide also lists as important
* a safe environment for the residents
* Promotion of integrated co-existence between the site and local community
* Easy access to General Practitioner and other health services
* Near to a bus route, shops and schools
* Ground conditions and levels of land
* Not in areas of flood risk.
.
The Guide also strongly states
3. 7 Where possible, sites should be developed near to housing for the settled community as part of mainstream residential developments. As one way of helping to address shortages of site provision local authorities and registered social landlords can consider the feasibility and scope for providing a site for Gypsies and Travellers within their negotiations to provide affordable housing as part of significant new build developments. Even where smaller scale developments are planned they could consider including a small scale site of three to four pitches which are known to work well for single extended families.

Evidence provided to Select Committee on the importance of site location:
"What is working [in Ireland] are small sites. And they are not placed under flyovers or pylons, or beside sewers, canals or tips; they are placed on proper positioned land, bang within the middle of a settled community, and they are working."204]

None of the preferred option sites meet the criteria of 3.7. This is understandable since it is clear that the majority of the public do not want the travelling community anywhere and the District Council does not really want to provide them. This is due to the reputation that the travellers have for abusing other people's property, leaving dirt and damage behind and assumed increased minor crime. Sometimes those fears are real.

As a result, the travelling community as a whole prefer to live as a separate community, in large groups away from urban locations, so sustaining the mistrust between them and the settled community. As well as this, the larger the group, the bigger the perceived threat. It would seem advisable therefore, to dilute any possible effect to the minimum by keeping the number of pitches on a site as low as possible with a range of sites with a different number of pitches to provide sufficient flexibility to meet the needs of the tenants.
2. Small groups of single sites
However, paragraph 3.7 does indicate that some benefit could be gained if, in new affordable housing schemes, a housing association included a small number of single plot sites.

So it is suggested that you consider, on the 2 affordable housing sites recently included in the publication draft of the local plan, Orbit/Deeley at Sydenham and Riverside House redevelopment sites, that, within each of those developments, 3 separate single plots are slipped in between the normal affordable housing. Each plot would have a normal access to the street, a small bungalow amenity building and space for caravans and vehicle parking designed to fit in with the normal housing. They could look to be a natural part of the housing development, similar to a normal house where the owner parks their caravan in their garden next to a bungalow. As a permanent site, it could be offered to those who are not tied to a large group, who might choose to value getting involved in a wider community and could get close to, but not next door to other members of their family group in much the same way that the settled community does. For the children of those families it would give them a wider educational opportunity to reach their potential, rather than being obliged to be constrained to traditional traveller's ways. For the potential wage earner it would give a wider choice of employment opportunities. For the settled community neighbours, the chances of problems are reduced by the dissipation of the number of sites.

The Guidance gives an example in Annex 3b, Small Scale site in urban locations, with a plot about 10m by 20m (200m2) as compared with the 500m2 per pitch suggested for a set of pitches with internal roads. Services and drainage would cost less, being part of a larger development, so this arrangement is probably the least expensive cost per pitch to provide.
3. The operational management method for Gypsies & Travellers Permanent sites.
The District Council's proposed operating model is ownership and operation by an individual traveller landlord. This is unlikely to be a trouble free arrangement and cannot be relied on to permanently meet the established need, nor maintain a well-run site. Since providing a pitch is viewed as providing a supported housing facility, it should be operated by an independent body that can offer pitches fairly to gypsy traveller applicants, with fair rents and resources to maintain the facility and set the way that non-compliance with fair rules can terminate the tenure. This could be either the District Council or a housing association that specialises in this area of work. The District Council shows no appetite to run such sites, so interest should be invited from interested housing associations to purchase the site, finance, build, maintain and manage it. This model could also include implementation of ways of encouraging a greater sense of community with shared interests of the settled and travelling residents.
4. Considering the 5 preferred options.
GT04 Harbury Lane/Fosse Way
The preferred option document describes this site as currently the home ground of the Leamington Football club. The plan , which is not to the scale of 1:10,000 stated in page 37 shows a brown line around the site in which the Football Club and car park is in the south corner. The whole site is 350m by 430m with a small area in the east corner excluded. The total area is 150,300m2 or thereabouts. 10 pitches are suggested which using the 500m2 per pitch would require only 5,000m2.
Major Gas Pipelines run under the site and construction over the pipeline zones will not be permitted by the Health & Safety Executive. There is a small triangular area north of the football club that appears to be outside the zones between the two pipelines, so any location in this area needs to be carefully worked out with National Grid. However, excavations for drainage that would need to pass over the exclusion zones is unlikely to be permissible. Surface water drainage to this area is by ditches above ground and in persistent wet weather water flows off the fields to the south of Harbury Lane towards the car park and pitch of the Football Club. This part of the site is not therefore suitable for a permanent G & T site.
The site is remote to schools, health services, hospitals, shops & community facilities. It is said that some travellers do not find this a problem.
If kept to a maximum of 6 pitches, a 3,000m2 plot, avoiding the Gas pipeline zones, could be located north of the existing football Club with an access road to the site immediately to the west of the club car park. The site itself could be screened from view along Harbury Lane with suitable tree & shrub planting all around it. This location is less likely to be affected by flooding than the football club area.
I would therefore support the use of this site north of the existing Football Club premises with a separate access to Harbury Lane, surrounded by shelter belt tree planting for a maximum of 6 pitches under the direction of a specialist housing association. This would not require relocation of the football club to another location, safeguarding that site for housing required to meet the Local Plan targets. If the football club wanted to move for other reasons then it could be relocated to a suitable site in the green belt as a compatible use of greenbelt.
GT12 Westham Lane, Barford
This site is South of Westham Lane, not north as described in the preferred options document, close to the River Avon on the west, with the Barford by-pass on the east. The plan, which is not to the scale of 1:10,000 stated in page 39 shows a brown line around the site to the edge of the river and has an approximate area of 7,500m2 excluding the shrub belt on the bank of the river.
8 pitches on this site are too many and would be so close to the by-pass to be impossible to hide with planting. This is not good for the area or for the tenants.
The risk of pollution to the river from activities of the tenants as well as a non-mains drainage solution from this development that would be needed, is too high.
The by-pass is a fast road and access on & off the site would have serious safety concerns.
This concept would quickly deteriorate into a problem. The maximum number of pitches that this site could sustain is 3, to release space for setting the site back sufficiently to get adequate screening and small enough to stop it getting out of hand.
Alternatively, in the village housing options document, 3 housing sites have been identified between the bypass and the Wellesbourne Road. Site 2 is for 60 dwellings and site 3 is for 15 dwellings. 40% of these will presumably be affordable homes and it may therefore be an idea to put these 3 sites as single sites, within probably the larger housing site, in a similar manner to that set out in section 2 above.
GT15 East of Europa Way
This is not suitable for a permanent Gypsy & Traveller site because
* It was built as a permanent woodland as part of the Europa Way construction and forms a valuable screen to the east side of the road and is a positive contribution to the Tachbrook Valley landscape as this photo shows which was taken from the bottom right hand corner of the plan on page 41 towards Europa Way. The proposed site is to the right of the single oak tree (left hand side mid distance) at the point where the trees on the horizon are higher than the tree belt to the left. The Tach Brook is at the bottom of the slope on the right, where the trees along the side of the brook show how the brook relates to the wood and fields.
* The site within the brown lines on plan on page 41 stretches from Europa way down to the Tachbrook. The level at Europa Way is about 65m AOD and the level at the top of the bank to the brook is below 55m. This 10m fall occurs over a distance of between 40 and 150m, so the land has considerable falls across it that would make the site difficult for manoeuvring large vehicles and trailers. Note that the plan on page 41 is not to 1:10,000 but at about 1:2,500.

* The access onto Europa Way, which is a fast road when it is not congested, has serious safety concerns for a site containing large vehicles and trailers as well as young children. Roadside vegetation, trees and shrubs, would need to be removed to get adequate visibility splays.
* To construct the permanent site, large numbers of the trees would have to be cleared. This is one piece of young woodland that is playing a valuable part in carbon dioxide absorption, taking out 4 tonnes of CO2 per annum for every 100m2, which for the area of woodland affected means about a total of 450 tonnes per annum. Loss of such woodland would be contrary to the NPPF definition of sustainable development.
* Although the woodland is young it is dense and gives valuable habitat to wildlife. Human intervention from a permanent site would remove those habitats and the deer, badgers and other mammals would not survive in this location.
* The site would need non-mains foul drains so there is a risk of pollution of the waters in the brook that flows swiftly through to New Waters and then into the Avon, both from drainage spillage and debris from the tenants.
* Considering how this site could be laid out for 5 pitches, because it is a relatively narrow piece of woodland, after accounting for the new road access required and the falls across the site, it is probable that 5 pitches could not be satisfactorily sited and would have to be linear, parallel with the road. On a cost per pitch costing it is probably one of the most expensive locations in its capital cost of provision.
* Due to the heavy traffic on Europa Way and the proximity of living spaces to that road it is unlikely that it meets the noise standards required for a permanent site.
* As a site this is remote to any other community and is not as recommended by the DCLG guidelines. All facilities (shops, schools, health etc.) are pretty much only accessible by car.
This site should not have been included as a viable option and should be removed from the list.
GT19 Birmingham Road, Budbrooke
This site is on the A41 to Solihull between this road and the canal. The plan, which is not to the scale of 1:10000 stated in page 43 shows a brown line around the site, demonstrating its restricted nature. It would appear to be about 40m by 40m or 1600m2 so if a plot size is 500m2, then it will only take 3 pitches at most.
The site is an untidy corner but it is close to an urban community. Access could be obtained off the lane that goes south to Ugly Bridge and if the site is fenced and planted it could be reasonably self-contained and screened from the Birmingham Road. However, it would be more liable to succeed if it was limited to 3 pitches.
GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road
This site, if it is to be used, needs very careful consideration. It is on the Banbury Road and Castle Park, a Grade 1 historic park, is on the opposite side of the road. It is part of a major visually powerful route into Warwick and forms a major route from the M40 and traffic approaching from the south to visit the area and Castle. It is a major tourist as well historic heritage.
It was granted permission as a holiday caravan site so if used for Gypsy & Travellers, unless this element is successfully run and does not deter visitors, then it will never become that. The District Council needs to decide which group of visitors they wish to attract.
It may be possible to do both. If the number of pitches is constrained to about 6 and a part of the site to the east is selected for the purpose with its own independent access from the Banbury Road and the site is run to a high standard, then it could still be viable as a tourist caravan park.
Providing that the size of the permanent site is limited to 6 pitches taking 100m by 40m of the south east corner of the site with fencing and strong shrub planting around it, it would be more or less be invisible to visitors and if run successfully would not prevent the rest of the site being used for normal caravan purposes. It would also be essential to protect the Tach Brook and its embankments from pollutants, human usage and detritus so that can be a successful wildlife corridor that feeds clean water into New Waters and the River Avon.
5. Alternative Sites

GT02 Land abutting the Fosse Way close to the A425
This area of land is a prominent and valuable piece of landscape on the Fosse Way and a caravan site for anyone, travellers or tourist caravans, would be a extremely negative in this location. So this site should not be used.
However on the east side of the Fosse way, there is The Fosse Exhibition complex and North Fosse Farm. It would be possible to provide a small permanent site in this location using existing services and access and to screen the site with substantial planting.
But it is not suggested that this should considered in this consultation.
GT05 Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm
This land should not be considered for a permanent site because
* It is on the Banbury Road and this is a major route from the M40 to Warwick and Warwick Castle and as such it is part of a major tourist attraction, enhancing the economy of the district. A G & T site here would be clearly seen by visitors coming into the area and be negative to the visitor experience.
* The barn north of the farm buildings at Tachbrook Hill Farm is Listed Grade II. The site suggested is land immediately to the north of the barn and so is part of the context of the listed building. Any development on this site would not be appropriate and is contra to the NPPF.
* The Banbury Road is a fast road. It connects to junction 13 of the M40 only 500m away from Tachbrook Hill Farm and drivers are normally accelerating up to motorway speeds in anticipation of the motorway or when coming off the motorway have not readjusted to non-motorway speeds. Any new junction for slow moving traffic would be a major safety hazard.
* The Banbury Road and its junction with Mallory Road are known accident black spots including a history of fatalities. The frontage to Banbury Road is lined with Oak trees and any sight lines required for a new access would require removal of a considerable number of them. This is not acceptable and it would make the site even more open to the visitor transport route.
* The WCC Landscape Sensitivity, Ecology & Geological Report for the New Local Plan assessed the landscape sensitivity as High. This indicates that development for any purpose should not be permitted.
* It is within 400m of the M40 on which vehicles can be seen travelling along the motorway, demonstrating a straight noise line to the site. It is too close to the motorway and the traffic noise on this site, particularly at night, or the wrong cloud base level, is high.
GT06 Land at Park Farm
This land should not be considered for a permanent site because
* It is on the Banbury Road and this is a major route from the M40 to Warwick and Warwick Castle and as such it is part of a major tourist attraction, enhancing the economy of the district. The land shown on the plan on page 53 is clearly visible to traffic using Banbury Road so substantial visual screening would be required.
* It is close to Castle Park which is a grade 1 Listed Park and is part of the parkland layout for Warwick Castle. Visually, the Castle Park, The Asps farm and Park Farm are all part of the rural context for the Castle and the entrance to Warwick from the south.
* Using part of Park Farm may affect the viability of the whole farm and that would be an unacceptable outcome of taking part of it as a G & T permanent site.
* It is remote from any community and does not have easy access to local services and to social contact with other residents in the community. It is also remote to schools, health and GP services.

GT08 Depot west side of Cubbington Heath Farm.
This site is on the northwest side of the A445, Leicester Lane, from Cubbington to Stoneleigh. The plan, which is not to the scale of 1:10,000 stated in page 55, shows a brown line around the site which is currently a road salt store used by the County council on lease from the current owners. It is presumed that this use would need to remain in the future.

The whole site is rectangular about 200m by 100m and has a good access to the south of the site from the road. The salt store occupies the southern 2/3rds of the site.

The northern end is grassed and is hedged to the road, the northern and western boundaries. It is not used in the salt operations as can be seen in the aerial photo. This part of the site is about 60 by 100 or about 6000m2 so at 500m2 per pitch could accommodate 12 pitches. However, to ensure retention of a substantial part of the green area, only 7 pitches should be provided on this site that would only require 3,500m2 of the available area. In the remaining area additional tree planting should be set out to compensate for any loss of green space that might occur.

Access to the site could be via the existing depot access or could have its own direct access to Leicester Lane but this would require removal of the hedgerow to the road to get adequate site lines. Since the salt store is only used in cold weather it is possible that this limited usage could be managed with the access to the G & T site from the existing access.


The site is close to the farm complex but is over 600m from the crossroads at the north of Cubbington. So it is a convenient distance to the urban area for local services, schools health and for social contact with other residents in the community as advised in the DCLG guidance. It is not visible from the road so would provide privacy to the tenants and although it is in the Green Belt would only have negligible impact on the area, not reducing the distances between the urban areas so separated.

see attached

WDC Local Plan Gypsies & Travellers Preferred Options Consultation


The JPC accepts that allocations must be made for the G&T community within the WDC New Local Plan - rather than relying on sites coming forward through the conventional planning process and we also understand the importance of G&T issues in the Local Plan process, however the JPC believes that any such allocation must be made on a fully democratic and objective basis.

When the June 2013 consultation was staged we were unimpressed with the level of detail provided and very disappointed at the lack of local knowledge and erroneous justifications for selected sites. It can be no surprise that local communities erupted in response to such ill thought-out blight on our district.

Given the levels of residents' responses it is surprising that the Preferred Options consultation has now followed with a similar level of erroneous information and even less quantifiable justification for the Preferred Option choices.

We find the presentation of material confusing at best given that much of the important evidence is buried on the website as "Further Evidence" and "Background" and much that is there is either erroneous and/or conflicting with the March 2014 PO document. At another level we and the vast majority of our residents who have commented found the "Drop-In Sessions" with just a couple of posters and scattered booklets to be a singularly poor way to disseminate information especially as the staff provided had minimal technical knowledge of the subject matter and made it clear that they would not be collating comment made on the day.

We are also concerned at WDC's apparent willingness to rely on the Compulsory Purchase approach given the associated costs and delays which will render most sites non-viable financially and non-deliverable in the terms required. Furthermore success of the CPO process has yet to be established as evidenced by the 2012 Mid Suffolk DC case when the Inspector found insufficient evidence to support CPO on the grounds of "public interest".

We would question WDC's election to limit site sizes to a maximum of 10 pitches, with some considerably less, as this means that site provision must then blight more communities and settlements than is reasonably necessary. If site size limitation is in order to facilitate management and policing this surely gives credence to many residents' concerns about crime and disorder in or near such sites.

Reduction in site size (or more specifically pitch numbers on individual sites) loses economies of scale in terms of establishment costs, management costs and land take whilst directly impacting a greater number of the general population.

National guidance suggests sites of 5-15 to be preferable and this would suggest that our required 31 pitches could reasonably be accommodated in two or at most three sites.

The JPC would suggest that any or all proposed sites could be best accommodated and assimilated in areas which are not current settlements and that they should be properly planned, at a very early stage, into much larger schemes preferably incorporating residential and employment development.

We find the cursory dismissal of such an approach (Page 12, end of section 5) totally unsatisfactory and unacceptable.

The JPC also believes that the Siskin Drive and Gateway area should be vigorously explored to create a site with a mechanism to accommodate the G&T community within an evolving area where they could best integrate with their surroundings.

Whilst reviewing WDC's commentaries on sites in the original and the current consultation we have found that they are erratic and inconsistent. Criteria are sometimes used to support a choice/site and at other times the same criteria are used in a converse manner. The way in which the supporting Sustainability and Sites Assessments have been used to arrive at the Preferred Options is opaque in the extreme and certainly the interpretation of the Sustainability Assessments based on colour coding appears to be minimally objective.

Examples of inconsistencies relate to noise impacts, site prominence in the landscape, flooding, agricultural land value/viability, proximity of services and pedestrian access/safety. Latterly, especially with the "GTalt" sites, there seems to be an inordinate reference to "surface flooding".

The paperwork provided and the public consultations staged also seem to take no or little account of the cost implications inherent in the various Preferred Option choices and we believe this should be a significant factor when making a final selection given the inherent importance of economic viability.

In consideration of the above the JPC has conducted an objective assessment of all the sites which have come forward under these consultations, as well as our lay skills permit, and concludes that not all of the selected Preferred Options are indeed the best sites of those presented.

The findings are presented in spreadsheet format showing support where we believe it to be appropriate. Where we draw different conclusions we offer rebuttal and further comments as seems appropriate and helpful.

The spreadsheet details are as follows:

* Column 1 - Site identification number and PO indication and JPC support or otherwise
* Column 2 - Précis of WDC comments
* Column 3 - JPC commentary
* Column 4 - Sites which JPC consider could reasonably be progressed (where sites cannot be integrated into "larger schemes").

Inevitably the JPC has been much exercised by contact from residents concerning sites proposed within our JPC parishes and we must comment that these sites seem to have been singularly poorly selected. This situation is not helped by the fact that they seem to have come forward accompanied by blatantly incorrect supporting information, viz:
* Repeated reference to Barford doctors' surgery - when the last part-time surgery closed over 30 years ago
* Inclusion of the Barford Bypass flood compensation pond area as site GT16
* Inclusion of Barford Community Orchard and Riverside Walk in GTalt12
* Inclusion of spillage/reed ponds within GT12 in March 2014
* Confusion over the maps for GT12 And GT16 in June 2013
* Confusion over the map of GT12 in March 2014
* Confusion over the map of GTalt12 in March 2014

On a purely local basis it seems bizarre and is certainly unacceptable to blight Barford, recently judged amongst the best 10 places in the Midlands (and number 57 nationally) to live, with the Preferred Options selection of such obviously poor sites. Should the Barford sites persist we are sure that residents will support the landowner in challenging Compulsory Purchase, increasing costs and delay to all concerned and further impacting deliverability.

We are also reminded that there is a duty to co-operate across boundaries and would draw your attention to the site which Stratford DC have at Blackhill, immediately adjacent to Sherbourne parish.

We hope that you will take this letter and the associated spreadsheet in the constructive manner in which it is intended, in order to assist in achieving the best possible solution for both the settled and travelling communities.

Object to: GT05 Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm, Banbury Road (Green Alternative Site)

I strongly object to the Alternative Site GT05 Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm, Banbury Road as the Site is unsuitable & unsustainable as a Gypsy & Traveller Site for many reasons which I will discuss below.

- Impact on Landscape Character - This Site is Agricultural Land and is surrounded by fields. The Site is hilly, hence the name "Tachbrook Hill Farm", and can be viewed from a high visual point when travelling along the Banbury Road A452 from the Warwick/Leamington/M40 Roundabout from Warwick & towards Gaydon. Locating a Gypsy & Traveller Site here would have a detrimental effect to the local landscape and would not be in keeping with the surroundings & would be an unpleasant vista entering the village.

- Impact on designated areas of nature conservation, Flooding issues - Despite the Consultation Documents advising that this Site Lies within Flood Zone 1 and therefore sequentially preferable. This Site has a tendency to become waterlogged at periods throughout the year. Therefore, this Site would be unsuitable for Caravans and the Gypsy & Traveller Community.

- Ability of Infrastructure requirements to be adequately met & Deliverability of Associated Infrastructure requirements - It is unlikely that the site could be connected to the public foul mains sewer so would need a non-mains solution as per the WDC Consultation Documents. There is no existing infrastructure in place for such a purpose. Therefore, the Site is unsuitable compared to other Sites that already have such infrastructure in place.

- Impact on heritage assets and the settings of heritage assets - This Site poses a potential threat to Historical Bishop's Tachbrook which is listed in the Doomsday Book along with possible damage to listed buildings around the village and local vicinity. This Site within Bishop's Tachbrook will harm the character of the area and the quality of life for those within the existing community.

- Impact on ecology - Any development would have an adverse effect on ecology & the natural environmental. It is noted that the Site is not connected to the public foul mains sewer so would need a non-mains solution. If sewage removal is not dealt with effectively this will impact the environment. Furthermore, the Site is only 5 minute walk from Oakley Wood (via wide verge) and close proximity to the Guide Dogs Breeding Centre.

- Impact of noise and other disturbance - It is noted within the Consultation Documents that the Site area has been reduced to avoid noise from major
Roads. However, I feel this will have little effect to the noise levels that could be potentially heard by Gypsy & Travellers occupying the Site. This Site is very close to the M40 and other major busy roads and with there being wide open countryside there is little to shield the noise and Caravans are not sound insulated. Therefore, this would be an unsuitable Site for the Gypsy & Traveller Community. In 1992 all Bishop's Tachbrook Residents were compensated for noise pollution due to the M40. GT05 is closer to M40 than Bishop's Tachbrook village. By the precedent set for compensation this makes the site unsuitable for Caravans due to noise levels.
A452 is a main arterial route to M40(s) and to Gaydon Site from Leamington / Warwick making this an extremely busy road especially during morning and evening rush hour. Furthermore, if the site is to be used as a business use Site noise would be a problem for the Village Residents.

- Agricultural Land Quality - This Site is Agricultural Land Grade 3. The Farmer currently has lambs in the field. This Site is currently on good quality arable land which is in use as a means to provide food to the Population. Therefore, to remove the Farmer & his livestock to locate a Gypsy & Traveller Site here would be a waste of good quality agricultural land which we need to sustain. Furthermore, we need to support our local Farmers and the production of local produce. Especially with increasing levels of foreign imported foods which are often sold at a cheaper sales price than locally produced foods. Therefore, as a result Farmers are already experiencing increased pressures so we need to support the Farming Industry which is also beneficially to the economy as a whole.

- Impact on visual amenity including the visibility and character of the site and surrounding area - Locating a Gypsy & Traveller Site here would have an adverse impact on the visual amenity and character of the surrounding area & open countryside. There would be an adverse visual impact on entering Bishop's Tachbrook Village. A more tucked away Site that has the ability to be well screened and is not on high ground would be more appropriate. The Site is not in an area that can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area which is stipulated as a Site Requirement within the Consultation Documents.
- The potential for the site to be adequately screened - Although the Site is partially screened and the breaks in the hedgerows on the Mallory Road could be dealt with by planting further hedgerows etc. However, the Site is on high ground, hence the name of the Site "Hill Farm" and can be viewed when travelling along the Banbury Road A452 from the Warwick/Leamington/M40 Roundabout towards Gaydon.

- Access to the road network - Access from the Site GT05 is directly on to a busy road within 50 mph zones. There is a high traffic flow throughout the day with commuters to and from the M40, Banbury & Gaydon. To place a Site along this stretch of road poses a threat for all road users' safety. There is no safe access to the road network from these Sites which is a specified Site Requirement within the Consultation Document. This is dangerous for large caravans to be turning in and out of the sites and for all other road users. Furthermore, there are no pedestrian footpaths.
- Safe access to and from the site for vehicles and pedestrians - There are Road Safety Issues with this Site GT05. This is an accident blackspot and there have been many fatalities at that junction and near it. It is already difficult to exit the Village onto A452. This would be dangerous for slow-moving turning caravans exiting the Site onto Banbury Road. On the access from the Farmers drive there is a blind spot at the brow of the hill so this would be very dangerous for pulling out of and turning into. Alternatively, Mallory Road is a very narrow lane, therefore would prove difficult for turning long-wheel base caravans exiting the Site. Due to the remote locations of this Site and having no pedestrian footpaths secondary school children will have to wait for school buses on main roads or be transported to safe bus stops by car or all the way to school. This is not a sustainable solution.

- Distance to GP surgeries, schools, dentists, hospitals, shops and community facilities - The Croft Medical Centre which although is only open part-time, is useful for the elderly who form a large part of the Bishop's Tachbrook Village population, not having to travel into town to visit a doctor. Increasing numbers within the village will cause unavailability of appointments and longer waiting lists.
Bishop's Tachbrook C of E Primary School & Nursery is currently oversubscribed. This places even more undue pressure on a small Village School and the additional support that will be required by Gypsy and Traveller children, children who are noted within Section 4 of the Consultation Document as being educationally disadvantaged; will be difficult for the school to provide without adversely impacting all pupils. It is understood that in these circumstances there is no additional funding provided by the County Council other than that received per capita of children receiving free school meals.
- Proximity to other residential properties - Proximity to Village is incompatible with the Gypsy & Traveller lifestyle desiring to live apart from the settled community. Too close a proximity to housing in Mallory Road & Holt Avenue, Bishops' Tachbrook.

- Potential for the proposal to utilise previously developed land - As noted above this is good quality arable agricultural land that is currently in use by the Farmer with his lifestock of Sheep & Land. Therefore, this Site does not utilise previously developed land but to the contrary would use land which is fit for other purposes.

- Suitable Size - This Site is surrounded by fields and is a vast open space. Therefore, unsuitable for a Gypsy & Traveller Site as in my opinion a site of limited size but with the ability to extend the site to a maximum size of 10-15 Pitches is sufficient. Although, I understand Warwick District Council has a legal obligation to provide the Gypsy & Traveller Community with Allocated Pitches. We must bear in mind & learn from the experience of Basildon District Council with their dealings with Dale Farm. Which was until October 2011, an illegal encampment of Travellers which had been established without planning permission from Basildon District Council. The site was owned by members of the travelling community and was located within the Green Belt. Dale Farm was a six acre plot of land on Oak Lane, near the A127 Southend Arterial road. Dale Farm has been subject to Green Belt controls since 1982. However, next to the Dale Farm site there was an authorised Travellers' site known as Oak Lane. This had Council planning permission, and provided 34 legal pitches. Locating a Site is such a vast wide area is a potential for further illegal encampments. Whilst WDC has a duty to provide the Gypsy & Traveller Community with Allocated Sites, WDC also has a duty to Local Residents to ensure that Sites do not expand to unmanageable illegal Sites. Sites not only need to consider the needs of the Gypsy & Traveller Community, but the Local Residents, Community and all other Tax Payers.

- Deliverability & Availability of the site (including impact on the existing uses on the site) - This Site is privately owned and the Landowner is unwilling to sell this land. Therefore, the Site would have to be obtained using Compulsory Purchase Powers. Compulsory purchase is unfair to take a Farmer's livelihood in order for the Gypsy & Traveller community to operate the site as a profitable business. This puts one Group's Human Rights above another which questionably goes against the Human Rights Act and can be considered as discrimination in itself.

Other Concerns:

* There is a concern that these sites within which the occupancies are potentially unregulated will place unfair burden on our already stretched local infrastructure.

* The availability of necessary employment for the Gypsy & Traveller Community within the Bishop's Tachbrook Village is also to be questioned.
* There is a concern that although the number of pitches upon the Sites is to be regulated, the occupancy on the pitches cannot be regulated or controlled.
* A further concern is that the Sites are likely to be operated & managed by the Gypsy & Travelling Community and not Warwick District Council. If the sites are managed in such a way who will regulate the occupancy within the Sites? There will be no way of controlling numbers. There is also a concern if sites are granted for a given number of pitches; the Gypsy & Travelling Community will breach Planning Policy as was the case with Dale Farm.



















Support: GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road (Green Preferred Site)

I support the Proposed Preferred Site GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road. In my opinion the Site is suitable & sustainable as a Gypsy & Traveller Site as defined in WDC Suitability & Sustainability Criteria and discussed below.

- Impact on the Green Belt - Site GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road is not in the Green Belt. Therefore, fulfils the suitability Criteria.

- Impact on Landscape character - The Site has already been approved Planning Permission for a Holiday Caravan Park & is already part-prepared, therefore the only difference to the Site would be the Caravans themselves. Therefore, this Site fulfils the suitability criteria and would be a viable Site.

- Impact on designated areas of nature conservation Flooding issues - It is noted within the WDC Consultation Documents that the Flooded watercourses drain to road rather than onsite. Therefore, fulfilling the required criteria and demonstrating suitability & sustainability.

- Ability of Infrastructure requirements to be adequately met - The required Infrastucture & Amenities are already part-prepared due to Planning Permission already being obtained for a Holiday Caravan Park. There is a large area for Caravans to turn into the entrance of the Site along with separate turning lanes on the Road. Minimum development needed for occupancy by the Gypsy & Traveller community.

- Impact on Ecology - Little effect on the local ecology as the infrastructure is already partially in place and Planning Permission already granted previously.

- Impact of land contamination, noise and other disturbance - It is noted within the WDC Consultation Document that Landfill details/potential risks known from previous work carried out for the original planning application. However, Planning conditions on existing permission deal with the issues of contamination from landfill. Therefore, the Site is proving to be both suitable and sustainable as an appropriate Gypsy & Traveller Site. With regards to noise, this Site is further away from the M40 than the GT05 Banbury Road Site, therefore noise levels will be lower for the Gypsy & Traveller Community. Also as the Site is screened with trees and not a wide open space this will prevent noise travelling from the Site to other Properties in the vicinity.

- Impact on visual amenity including the visibility and character of the site and surrounding area - This Site is set back from the Road and is located in a bend in the road from memory so is a more discreet Site than others that have been proposed. Therefore, this is well tucked away and not causing a detrimental visual impact to the existing surroundings. As noted the Site already has Planning Permission for a Holiday Caravan Site, therefore, using the Site for Gypsy & Travellers Site Allocation will have minimal difference to what the Site was originally meant for. In addition, Local Residents did not originally object to a Caravan Site when the Planning Permission was approved by WDC. Therefore, this Site further meets the required Criteria.

- The potential for the site to be adequately screened - The Site was well-screened up until about 2 months ago when the Landowner has now removed some of the trees screening the Site. However, these can easily be replaced in order to minimise visual impact.

- Access to the Road Network - Good & safe access to road network. Pedestrian Foot paths from the Site to and from Warwick. By far the safest Site compared to that of GT05 Alternative Site. in addition, there is less traffic that other main roads locally.

- Distance to GP Surgeries, Schools, Dentists, Hospitals, Shops And Community Facilities - The Site is noted within the WDC Consultation Document to be close to edge of urban area. It is not far from Leamington, Warwick and Bishop's Tachbrook. Therefore, not all of the pressure needs to be placed upon Bishop's Tachbrook's limited village facilities. I believe there is also Public Transport links that pass this Site into Warwick.

- Proximity to other residential properties - There are only a few Residential Properties in this surrounding area and these are not in the local vicinity of the Site so there are no immediate neighbours.

- Potential for the proposal to utilise previously developed land - This is previously developed land and does not waste good quality arable agricultural land for such a purpose. Furthermore, this Site already has had Planning Permission approved previously by the Bishop's Tachbrook Parish Council for a Holiday Caravan Site. Therefore, this Site can be considered a suitable & fully sustainable option for a Gypsy & Traveller Site. This Site is the most viable of the Options put forward in the Bishop's Tachbrook Parish.

- Safe access to and from the site for vehicles and pedestrians - This Site is Suitable as already has safe access to and from Site for both Vehicles and a pedestrian footpath into Warwick. It is noted within the WDC Consultation Documents that new access has been created with turning lane from Banbury Road to highway standards for the Holiday Caravan Park. Therefore, meeting the required criteria and yet again demonstrating the suitability of the Site for a Gypsy & Traveller Site.

- Suitable Size - The Size it well contained and has the ability to extend into 15 pitches from the originally proposed 10 if required. However, extension beyond the 15 pitches would be restricted due the size of the Site which would prevent illegal encampment. Therefore, this would be a viable Site.

- Availability of the site (including impact on the existing uses on the site) - The Site already has Planning Permission for a Holiday Caravan Site - Could an agreement be met with the current Landowner? This is a more viable option than many of the other Sites requiring compulsory purchase powers.

- Deliverability of the Site and associated Infrastructure requirements - If the purchase of the land can be obtained. The associated infrastructure not already in place could easily be deliverable. Thereby, meeting the suitability, sustainability & deliverability criteria set by WDC.

Overall, GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road (Green Preferred Site) not only meets the suitability, sustainability & deliverability criteria set by WDC, this Site would be the most ideal Site of all of the Proposed Sites within the Bishop's Tachbrook Parish.

CONSULTATION ON GYPSY & TRAVELLER SITES FOR WARWICK DISTRICT

1. CPRE Warwickshire responded to the Options consultation in 2013. At that stage in the process, CPRE supported two locations in principle, which we considered would meet the practical need for about 25 pitches. These locations were
* Siskin Drive, SE of Coventry (adjacent or close to existing Coventry City Council official site)
* Harbury Lane, at Hobson's Choice (preferably where containers are now stored)

2. These two locations are unfortunately not listed among those put forward during the 2013 consultation. The 2014 Preferred Options consultation document at table 5.1 lists sites stated to have been advanced by respondents in 2013, but neither of these is included in the table. CPRE doubts that the need is for as many as 25 pitches by 2017, as stated by the District Council. Gypsies and travellers often hold land in other Districts, which is not made know in the needs surveys; and there is a risk of double-counting between Districts.

3. The comments on sites below assume this figure of 25 pitches; 30 could be provided if necessary at the locations we suggest.

4. CPRE Warwickshire in summary supports the following locations:

* Hobson's Choice, Harbury Lane, SE of Whitnash 15 pitches
* Siskin Drive, by Coventry Airport, S of Coventry City Council official site 10 pitches
* Birmingham Road, Budbrooke up to 5 pitches
GT04 Land at Harbury Lane/Fosse Way

5. This location is supported and was advanced by CPRE in 2013. We do not support the exact location, which would appear to take over or be alongside Leamington Football Club. This would be an exposed position not easily screened. We support the site on the map extract for GT04 called 'Hobson's Choice'. This is surrounded by a high earth bund, and is used currently for container storage. It lies behind Harbury Lane scrapyard and the old airfield hangar used for indoor go-karting. It would be very suitable for up to 15 pitches and would have no adverse effect on the surrounding environment. As Warwick District Council is willing to consider compulsory purchase of land, this site should be examined closely. The container storage activity need not be at this location and industrial land for it could be found elsewhere.

Siskin Drive, E of Coventry Airport

6. The failure to examine the Siskin Drive area further, and the rejection of it in the 2014 document without explanation, is regrettable. The established existence of the Coventry City Council official site at Siskin Drive, with no adverse environmental or social effects, indicates the general suitability of this area east of Coventry Airport. From the point of view of gypsies and travellers the site is also suitable as it has good road access and does not involve use of minor roads, and there are no private houses nearby. While the local authority boundaries at Siskin Drive are complex (Coventry, Warwick and Rugby all meet here), it should be possible for a Warwick District Council site to be located adjacent to or near the Coventry City Council site.

GT19 Birmingham Road, Budbrooke

7. This has had gypsy occupation in the past. The proximity of other buildings here and the non-agricultural nature of the land adjacent to the A4141 Birmingham Road makes this a potentially acceptable location, but only after the two sites listed above have been developed.


Response on other sites included in the 'Preferred' list (Consultation paper section 9) and on those not supported (Section 10, alternative sites)

GT12 W of Barford Bypass N of Shepham Lane

8. This is open countryside along the western side of the A429 Barford Bypass. It would be very visible, difficult to access and damaging to the setting of Barford. It should be dropped.

Gtalt01 Banbury Road, Warwickshire

9. A gypsy site on the historic road approach to Warwick town centre is not acceptable. This is still a classic rural approach to the historic town. The existing permission for caravans (non-gypsy) and the building of the access does not justify allowing this approach to be degraded by an unattractive and intrusive land use. The site is not being used at present and is better left empty so as to protect the historic approach and the setting of Warwick Castle Park.

GT02 Land at Fosse Way / A425

10. This is a large open landscape, between Radford Hill and North Fosse Farm. It is wholly unsuitable as a gypsy site, being very visible agricultural land. It is partly Grade 3a land and is next to a local wildlife site - the wood known as Parlour Spinney.

GT05 Tachbrook Hill Farm, Bishops Tachbrook

11. This is open farmland between the Banbury Road and Bishops Tachbrook village. With the M40 to the SW, the road is busy with traffic on and off the motorway. The junction between the Banbury Road and Mallory Road is not particularly safe; its rural location makes any junction widening or lighting highly damaging to the character of the immediate area.



Gtalt12 Land SE of Barford Bypass, Barford

12. This appears to have no merit at all as a site. The grounds for objection to GT12 (see above) apply equally to this site.

GT06 Park Farm, Banbury Road, Warwick

13. This is a large area of farmland at Park Farm, on the rural approach to the historic town of Warwick. It would be visible and harm this important setting to Warwick. It would be close to Warwick Castle Park. Similar reasons for objection apply to those listed above for Gtalt01, Banbury Road, Warwick.

GT08 Depot W of Cubbington Heath Farm, Cubbington

14. This location is only worth considering if HS2 is built on the line proposed, as it would then be degraded and could be acceptable as a gypsy site.

GT11 Hampton Road, south of Warwick Racecourse

15. The land north of Henley Road and east of A46 Warwick Bypass is part of Warwick's historic setting. Development of South West Warwick stops at the Henley Road. Urban development should not be allowed to cross it.

GTalt02 Woodyard, Cubbington Road, Rugby Road, Cubbington

16. This would be very harmful to the future of CubbingtonWood, which is replanted Ancient Woodland. The consultation document notes, "North Cubbington Wood is one of the prime cases for woodland restoration for the Princethorpe project which is a complex of woods and hedgerows, currently a Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Living landscape project funded by SITA Trust." A gypsy site here would harm the woodland's restoration and make it less attractive for visitors.

Gtalt03 Henley Road, Hampton-on-the-Hill

17. This site is being promoted by the owner. It would be very harmful to the openness of the Green Belt and to the current rural approach to Warwick from Henley-in-Arden if it were to be developed as a gypsy site. The consultation document fails to describe the appearance of this land or its prominence. It is where the Henley road comes over a crest and Warwick is seen on the skyline. It is too prominent a position to be considered.

I would like to respond to the latest consultation process for the five potential sites .

Part A
Part B

Commenting on the Gypsy and Traveller Site Options.
The whole G&T issue seems to be driven to support the Draft Local Plan, rather than to be the correct solution in itself . I strongly believe that the sites should be considered within the New Local Plan and not as a separate exercise.
I have attended the WDC exhibitions and it appears that there is no justifiable reason why the G&T sites cannot be reviewed and incorporated into the new sites designated for providing the 12,300 houses currently under consultation.
I would like to refer my comments specifically to the following sites:
GT12, GT 15 and GT alt 12 alt 01.

I would like to OBJECT to the proposal of all these sites for the reasons stated below. I have based my objections on the suitability and sustainability criteria used in the WDC consultation document.

* Site GT alt 01 - sits immediately approximate to the Asps which Warwick District Council decided, after further research regarding the landscape and transport impact of development, that site should remain open due its value as a backdrop to the historic Warwick Castle Park. The Revised Development Strategy, therefore, excludes the Asps and should also exclude the site GT alt 01for the same reasons.

* Sites GT 12, GT alt 12 and GT alt 01 - the sites are not sustainable in terms of multi modal accessibility. None of the sites offer the ability to access local community facilities (schools, doctors surgeries etc) on foot or on bike via pedestrian footpaths or cycle routes, or by bus. The only means of accessibility is by car which would place further pressure on the local highway network infrastructure and is unsustainable.

* Sites GT 12 and GT12 alt 01 - sit within (part) and otherwise immediately adjacent to areas identified by the Environment Agency as having significant flood risk. Extensive flooding has taken place in both sites earlier this year.


* Sites GT 12 and GT 12 alt 01 - development would have a material negative impact on the capacity of Barford St. Peter's School, especially given the village's status as a "Secondary Service Village" and it's likely requirement to provide 70-90 new dwellings during the Plan period.

* Sites GT 12 and GT12 alt 01 - a number of residents have reported the existence of water voles in and immediately adjacent to these sites. Water voles are, of course, now a legally protected species.

* Site GT 15 - this site sits alongside Europa Way which following recent upgrade is now an even busier road. There is no apparent logic to this site what so ever , indeed the site has no access to any local facilities and would be best integrated into one of the areas of land being considered for new local housing


* Sites GT12 and GT 12 alt 01 - there is inadequate pedestrian crossing facilities for safe access into the village. It is an extremely busy road and crossing and road improvement measures would require significant investment to be safe for users.

* Sites GT 12 and GT 12 alt 01 - the development of all of these sites could not take place without a material adverse effect on the landscape and could not be integrated without harming the visual amenity of the sites.

* Sites GT 12 and GT 12 alt 01 - WDC have disregarded their own Rural Area Policies, especially RAPs 1 (New Housing), 6 (New Employment), 10 (Safeguarding Rural Roads) and 15 (Camping and caravan Sites). In all respects the sites fail to meet the policy criteria to allow any form of development.

* Sites GT 12, GT 12 alt 01 and GT 15, - are not locations which allow peaceful and integrated co-existence with the local community.

* Sites GT 12 and GT 12 alt 01 - development would lead to an unacceptable loss of farmland and rural employment, rendering the isolated sites (eg site 12) totally unviable.

* Sites GT 12 and GT 12 alt 01 - vehicular access to these sites is from the A429 trunk road which was constructed as a bypass to Barford. It is a 60 mph speed limit road and there have been a significant number of accidents on it since its opening, including a fatality. The existing access into the sites is entirely inadequate.


* Sites GT 12, GT 12 alt 01 and GT 15 - vehicular access to these sites is from an already heavily utilised road network. Access and egress to and from these sites to the highways network would not be safe.

My general comments relating to ALL of the above sites are:

* WDC should have identified sites within the existing urban areas of Kenilworth, Warwick and Leamington for Gypsies and Travellers. These sites would be more suitable and sustainable, and would enable better integration in to the local community. Despite such sites existing, they are all being proposed for redevelopment for more valuable uses. These sites should be integrated into new housing sites identified for the New Local Plan. The new G&T sites can be integrated into those sites from the start. Discussions with developers confirm that they would be willing to accept a number of G&T sites into new housing development areas along with affordable housing schemes.


* Availability - none of the sites listed are available, namely sites GT 12 , GT 12 alt 01 and GT 15. By definition the remaining sites are not deliverable. A compulsory purchase order would be extremely lengthy, costly and unviable compared to other options.

* WDC should be requiring Gypsy and Traveller sites are delivered within the proposed major new housing developments in Kenilworth, Warwick and Leamington where 12,300 houses are proposed. This would ensure that the sites could be properly designed in a sustainable fashion and be fully integrated into a local community which will provide facilities such as a school, a doctors surgery and shops which are accessible on foot, on bike, by bus and by car.

* WDC should revisit its Greenbelt Policy and release sites to the north of Warwick and Leamington which would reduce the pressure to allocate land for all forms of development during the New Local Plan period to the south of the District.

* Ecology and Environment - all of the sites have some ecological value and environmental issues which does not appear to have been assessed.

Objection to GT15 Land to east of Europa Way (WDC Preferred Site)
I object to this site for the following reasons:-
Road access onto Europa Way, this is busy and also a fast road and liable to flooding. Road noise and pollution could be an issue.
No pavements on Europa Way, no access to public transport, nearest facilities not accessable.
Not screened as probably some trees will have to be felled on the site and may cause more flooding.
Land is not level and liable to flooding and may be water contamination issues.
Nearest facilities to site - can they absorb extra people, Bishops Tachbrook's school and doctors may not be able to cope.
Heavily wooded - possible impact on wildlife.


My preferred option GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road (WDC preferred Site)
I prefer this site because:-
It is much more suitable than the other nearby preferred and alternative sites and should not impact on the value of surrounding area.
Meets half the number of pitches required.
Site has planning for caravan site already, so minimal difference and little chance of flooding.
The site has no immediate neighbours and set off the road.
The site is already part prepared, seems to have infrastructure in place already, it is discreet, well screened and easily to be screened off more as road is into Historic Warwick. It should have minimal impact on any surrounding houses.
Has good road access. Safer access to site and there is road junction already in place.
Easy access to Warwick by public transport or on foot if safe footpath made. Access to doctors, schools and facilities easier.


Objection to GT05 Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm, Banbury Road (WDC Alternative Site)
I object to any Gipsy/Traveller sites being erected on this site for the following reasons:-
The land would have to be compulsory purchased. It seems the farmer doesn't want to sell so could take some time to get land. The farmer would lose a source of income when the land will then be available for business use which is unfair.
The proximity to the village is incompatible with Gipsy/Traveler wish to live apart from settled community.
The size of the site is out of proportion to the village size.
The village school is single form entry. Would there be room for extra children and the help/facilities required for children with possibly special needs especially if more houses are built in the village or surrounds?
The village Doctors Surgery is only part time - can be hard to get appointment now.
The visual effect on the entrance to the village would be damaging - a good large piece of agricultural land plus a lovely field to be become an unpleasant eyesore and if used as a business site too, become a noisy addition to a quiet village.
In 1992 all Bishops Tachbrook residents were compensated for noise pollution due to the siting of M40, GT05 is closer to the M40 than the village. This then makes the site unsuitable due to noise from the M40.
Mallory Road and St Chads are busy roads through the village. School children crossing twice a day over Mallory Road would have to be considered, bring more cars through the village is not a good move. The A452 is a main arterial road route to the north and southbound M40, Leamington Spa and Warwick and to the various car companies in Gaydon. The junction of Mallory Road/Banbury Road is impossible to get out of at certain times of the day, increased village population will cause this is to be much worse. The junction is dangerous and there have been accidents and a fatality already. Much of the traffic on the Banbury Road does not adhere to the 50mph limit. The proposed access from the farmers drive is a blind spot at the top of a hill, very dangerous for pulling in and out of the site.
The land is not level, prone to flooding in the northwest corner which then floods the end of Mallory Road/Banbury Road.
There is no connection to services such as sewage and water on this land. Potential large cost to taxpayer.
There are no footpaths from the proposed site into the village and no bus stops by the site.
Potential disruption to Guide Dog centre on it's safe location and quietness and to Oakley Wood which is protected.

Objection to GT15 Land to east of Europa Way (WDC Preferred Site)
I object to this site for the following reasons:-
Road access onto Europa Way, this is busy and also a fast road and liable to flooding. Road noise and pollution could be an issue.
No pavements on Europa Way, no access to public transport, nearest facilities not accessable.
Not screened as probably some trees will have to be felled on the site and may cause more flooding.
Land is not level and liable to flooding and may be water contamination issues.
Nearest facilities to site - can they absorb extra people, Bishops Tachbrook's school and doctors may not be able to cope.
Heavily wooded - possible impact on wildlife.
Objection to GT05 Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm, Banbury Road (WDC Alternative Site)
I object to any Gipsy/Traveller sites being erected on this site for the following reasons:-
The land would have to be compulsory purchased. It seems the farmer doesn't want to sell so could take some time to get land. The farmer would lose a source of income when the land will then be available for business use which is unfair.
The proximity to the village is incompatible with Gipsy/Traveler wish to live apart from settled community.
The size of the site is out of proportion to the village size.
The village school is single form entry. Would there be room for extra children and the help/facilities required for children with possibly special needs especially if more houses are built in the village or surrounds?
The village Doctors Surgery is only part time - can be hard to get appointment now.
The visual effect on the entrance to the village would be damaging - a good large piece of agricultural land plus a lovely field to be become an unpleasant eyesore and if used as a business site too, become a noisy addition to a quiet village.
In 1992 all Bishops Tachbrook residents were compensated for noise pollution due to the siting of M40, GT05 is closer to the M40 than the village. This then makes the site unsuitable due to noise from the M40.
Mallory Road and St Chads are busy roads through the village. School children crossing twice a day over Mallory Road would have to be considered, bring more cars through the village is not a good move. The A452 is a main arterial road route to the north and southbound M40, Leamington Spa and Warwick and to the various car companies in Gaydon. The junction of Mallory Road/Banbury Road is impossible to get out of at certain times of the day, increased village population will cause this is to be much worse. The junction is dangerous and there have been accidents and a fatality already. Much of the traffic on the Banbury Road does not adhere to the 50mph limit. The proposed access from the farmers drive is a blind spot at the top of a hill, very dangerous for pulling in and out of the site.
The land is not level, prone to flooding in the northwest corner which then floods the end of Mallory Road/Banbury Road.
There is no connection to services such as sewage and water on this land. Potential large cost to taxpayer.
There are no footpaths from the proposed site into the village and no bus stops by the site.
Potential disruption to Guide Dog centre on it's safe location and quietness and to Oakley Wood which is protected.
My preferred option GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road (WDC preferred Site)
I prefer this site because:-
It is much more suitable than the other nearby preferred and alternative sites and should not impact on the value of surrounding area.
Meets half the number of pitches required.
Site has planning for caravan site already, so minimal difference and little chance of flooding.
The site has no immediate neighbours and set off the road.
The site is already part prepared, seems to have infrastructure in place already, it is discreet, well screened and easily to be screened off more as road is into Historic Warwick. It should have minimal impact on any surrounding houses.
Has good road access. Safer access to site and there is road junction already in place.
Easy access to Warwick by public transport or on foot if safe footpath made. Access to doctors, schools and facilities easier.
Objection to GT06 Land at Park Farm, Spinney Farm (WDC Alternative Site)
I object to the site for the following reasons:-
A Gipsy/Traveller site here would have an adverse visual impact on the entrance to Historic Warwick
Owner is unwilling to sell so an expensive compulsory purchase necessary. If purchased the farmer would have restricted access to remaining land and may affect the viability of the farm.
Entrance and exit onto busy road. The proximity to the A425 and A452 must be a source of noise and pollution to the site.
Where would children attend school? Where would residents go to the doctors?Warwick or Leamington as Bishops Tachbrook facilities may not stretch to cope with more especially if more houses built in the village?
No bus stops/bus route.
This proposal is close to GT01 and GT15, too close? Could the sites be more spread around Warwickshire?

I would like to respond to the latest consultation process for the five potential sites .

Part A
Part B

Commenting on the Gypsy and Traveller Site Options.
The whole G&T issue seems to be driven to support the Draft Local Plan, rather than to be the correct solution in itself . I strongly believe that the sites should be considered within the New Local Plan and not as a separate exercise.
I have attended the WDC exhibitions and it appears that there is no justifiable reason why the G&T sites cannot be reviewed and incorporated into the new sites designated for providing the 12,300 houses currently under consultation.
I would like to refer my comments specifically to the following sites:
GT12, GT 15 and GT alt 12 alt 01.

I would like to OBJECT to the proposal of all these sites for the reasons stated below. I have based my objections on the suitability and sustainability criteria used in the WDC consultation document.

* Site GT alt 01 - sits immediately approximate to the Asps which Warwick District Council decided, after further research regarding the landscape and transport impact of development, that site should remain open due its value as a backdrop to the historic Warwick Castle Park. The Revised Development Strategy, therefore, excludes the Asps and should also exclude the site GT alt 01for the same reasons.

* Sites GT 12, GT alt 12 and GT alt 01 - the sites are not sustainable in terms of multi modal accessibility. None of the sites offer the ability to access local community facilities (schools, doctors surgeries etc) on foot or on bike via pedestrian footpaths or cycle routes, or by bus. The only means of accessibility is by car which would place further pressure on the local highway network infrastructure and is unsustainable.

* Sites GT 12 and GT12 alt 01 - sit within (part) and otherwise immediately adjacent to areas identified by the Environment Agency as having significant flood risk. Extensive flooding has taken place in both sites earlier this year.


* Sites GT 12 and GT 12 alt 01 - development would have a material negative impact on the capacity of Barford St. Peter's School, especially given the village's status as a "Secondary Service Village" and it's likely requirement to provide 70-90 new dwellings during the Plan period.

* Sites GT 12 and GT12 alt 01 - a number of residents have reported the existence of water voles in and immediately adjacent to these sites. Water voles are, of course, now a legally protected species.

* Site GT 15 - this site sits alongside Europa Way which following recent upgrade is now an even busier road. There is no apparent logic to this site what so ever , indeed the site has no access to any local facilities and would be best integrated into one of the areas of land being considered for new local housing


* Sites GT12 and GT 12 alt 01 - there is inadequate pedestrian crossing facilities for safe access into the village. It is an extremely busy road and crossing and road improvement measures would require significant investment to be safe for users.

* Sites GT 12 and GT 12 alt 01 - the development of all of these sites could not take place without a material adverse effect on the landscape and could not be integrated without harming the visual amenity of the sites.

* Sites GT 12 and GT 12 alt 01 - WDC have disregarded their own Rural Area Policies, especially RAPs 1 (New Housing), 6 (New Employment), 10 (Safeguarding Rural Roads) and 15 (Camping and caravan Sites). In all respects the sites fail to meet the policy criteria to allow any form of development.

* Sites GT 12, GT 12 alt 01 and GT 15, - are not locations which allow peaceful and integrated co-existence with the local community.

* Sites GT 12 and GT 12 alt 01 - development would lead to an unacceptable loss of farmland and rural employment, rendering the isolated sites (eg site 12) totally unviable.

* Sites GT 12 and GT 12 alt 01 - vehicular access to these sites is from the A429 trunk road which was constructed as a bypass to Barford. It is a 60 mph speed limit road and there have been a significant number of accidents on it since its opening, including a fatality. The existing access into the sites is entirely inadequate.


* Sites GT 12, GT 12 alt 01 and GT 15 - vehicular access to these sites is from an already heavily utilised road network. Access and egress to and from these sites to the highways network would not be safe.

My general comments relating to ALL of the above sites are:

* WDC should have identified sites within the existing urban areas of Kenilworth, Warwick and Leamington for Gypsies and Travellers. These sites would be more suitable and sustainable, and would enable better integration in to the local community. Despite such sites existing, they are all being proposed for redevelopment for more valuable uses. These sites should be integrated into new housing sites identified for the New Local Plan. The new G&T sites can be integrated into those sites from the start. Discussions with developers confirm that they would be willing to accept a number of G&T sites into new housing development areas along with affordable housing schemes.


* Availability - none of the sites listed are available, namely sites GT 12 , GT 12 alt 01 and GT 15. By definition the remaining sites are not deliverable. A compulsory purchase order would be extremely lengthy, costly and unviable compared to other options.

* WDC should be requiring Gypsy and Traveller sites are delivered within the proposed major new housing developments in Kenilworth, Warwick and Leamington where 12,300 houses are proposed. This would ensure that the sites could be properly designed in a sustainable fashion and be fully integrated into a local community which will provide facilities such as a school, a doctors surgery and shops which are accessible on foot, on bike, by bus and by car.

* WDC should revisit its Greenbelt Policy and release sites to the north of Warwick and Leamington which would reduce the pressure to allocate land for all forms of development during the New Local Plan period to the south of the District.

* Ecology and Environment - all of the sites have some ecological value and environmental issues which does not appear to have been assessed.

I am writing to express in the strongest possible terms by objection to the proposed Gypsy site at GT04 on the site currently offered by Leamington Football Club. Even if you believe that the council are required to provide such facilities, that they are necessary and that the people involved in fact want them (all of which are more than debatable), there are some very grave inaccuracies and irregularities about the process and the proposals.

It is absolutely clear that the whole process has been engineered by Warwick DC to push the sites chosen to the very boundaries of the District. This will have two very clear benefits to Warwick DC, firstly it will eliminate any impact on their residents (and therefore voters) of these sites, and secondly it will push the costs for the provision of services such as schools, Doctors, Policing and other welfare onto neighbouring districts. Both of these objectives are utterly deplorable.

On order to achieve these aims, Warwick DC have clearly judged each site not on defined, creditable, consistent, stated and scored criteria, instead they have mixed and matched criteria and weighing to achieve the outcome that suits their own political agenda. Issues that are deemed as worthy of comment for one site are omitted for another, and initial proposals - right down to the actual land in question - have been adjusted to include or exclude sites as required.

Contradictions and inconsistencies
The latest consultation document is full of contradictions, for example, one site is ruled out due to high pressure gas mains, the next a site is altered to accommodate the fact that there is a high pressure gas main. Similarly, one minute the residents of the travellers site needs access to major road network, the next minute they do not or it is too noisy. The arguments made are clearly 'convenient' to suit the agenda of Warwick district council, which is clearly to push this provision to the farthest boundary and onto Stratford-upon-Avon DC and their residents.

The idea that Gypsies will be content to avoid the closest services for Doctors and Schools in Harbury and head to Bishops Itchington due to an arbitrary district boundary as are fanciful as they are preposterous.

Changing the definition of GT04
Furthermore there have been several differences between the initial proposals and the revised proposal, not least that the initial proposal at GT04 stated that the site would be opposite Barwell Farm and it is now limited to the football club. This devious provision of information meant that objections to the first proposal focussed on a different area to that which is now being proposed, which meant that some key factors may have been overlooked and some key arguments voided.

Specific contradictions when comparing sites (and paragraph 6.1)
There are enormous irregularities in the pro's and con's provided in the consultation, where considerations that are applicable to one site are equally applicable to another but ignored. The application list shown in 6.2 of the document highlights this perfectly. In fact, 6.2 is actually a list of further considerations that may or may not be referred to as appropriate to suit the councils agenda.

For example:
GT04 lies within a flood plane, so the 'new' proposed area, which is different to that considered in the first consultation, has been cherry picked to cover only the part that does not lie in this area. This approach has not been afforded to any other proposed site with flood considerations.

GT04 has issues around danger to wildlife, again the 'new' proposed area, which is different to that considered in the first consultation, has been cherry picked to cover only the part that does not lie in this area. This approach has not been afforded to any other proposed site with wildlife considerations.

Various sites mention a high pressure gas main. Only site GT04 has been sub divided to get around this 'problem'.

GT06 'may cause problems for viable agricultural unit'. Of course the land at GT04 could otherwise form prime agricultural land (if indeed that is a consideration) should the football club vacate and the provision of these facilities will of course have an impact on neighbouring agricultural land.

GT08 is flagged as being within 1km of a railway line. GT04 is also within 1km of a railway line.

GT08 is noted as being (potentially too) remote from transport links and the like. It is no more remote than GT04.

Various sites mention potential road noise from the A46 and M40, yet the Fosse Way (which is adjacent to the GT04 site) is one of the busiest roads in the area.

GT13 mentions failed planning applications previously. Without any detail it is impossible to say that those same reasons for failing to approve this site be any less relevant to GT04.

GT13 is noted as being too remote from services and facilities, remote from primary road network and on high quality landscape. All three of these reasons are more applicable to GT04 than GT13.

GT14 mentions contamination from use as a poultry Farm. This is nonsensical, what possible contamination could there be arising from a poultry farm?

Gtalt02. By far and away the biggest irregularities focusses on Gtalt02, which is marked as 'amber'. When compared to GT04:
* it is apparently remote from services, although no more remote than GT04,
* it would require the purchase of a timber business, whereas mention of the cost and disruption of re-homing a football club is conspicuous by it's absence
* the road may be dangerous even though mention of the Fosse Way, the most dangerous road in Warwickshire if not the Midlands - again not mentioned in GT04.
* Mention of the ancient woodland, although the view from Chesterton Windmill is completely omitted in reference to GT04. (but then I suppose that falls in Statford-upon-Avon DC so that probably doesn't count).

Gtalt03 appears to have not been delivered as 'green' on the basis of being on Greenbelt. If this is an overriding issue or is simply too difficult, then these sites should never have been considered in the first place - what is the point of including and then omitting anything on a green belt is not to force non-green belt sites through. This is consistent throughout the document.

Gtalt04 is stated as being remote from ALL services and facilities, despite being next to a railway station and in a village every bit as well served as anything within 2 miles of GT04.

The reasons given for Gtalt06 are so vague it is not worth commenting on, and all of the positive reasons for inclusion at other sites (such as proximity to services, near to transport links, not being on the greenbelt etc etc) have been completely omitted. Very clearly this is bowing to pressure from a landowner and as such this site should be reconsidered and judged in parallel to the other sites whereby pro's are considered in addition to just the 'cons'.

Gtalt07 mentions being 'open to views from the West'. This is a very odd reason and I cannot see why views from Chesterton Windmill have been entirely omitted in the case of GT04.

Gtalt09 (and others) I am intrigued about the mention of land being 'allocated for residential use'. How a gypsy site would not be considered 'residential use' is very odd, except of course if these is a windfall to the council in selling the land to a developer.

Gtalt10 mentions that the area excluded for risk of flooding but that this is going to be remedied, it is completely unclear as to why this is a problem.

Gtalt13 (excusing typo) - states that the road is not suitable to serve caravans, but these are to be fixed units . This is an enormous and concerning irregularity. Furthermore, it is incongruous that the council are seemingly not willing to improve a road but they are willing to move a whole football club with the costs that this activity would incur.

Gtalt15 - again these are no comments about how 'good' the provision of services would be at this site. Furthermore, there is no 'Olympus Way' in Leamington spa, but access from ' Olympus Avenue' would be ideal for residents.

Gtalt16 is far too vague to comment.

Gtalt22 is mentioned as being 'very open and conspicuous', as well as unpalatable to the neighbours. This is a complete re-write of the rules that all other sites have been judged by.

Consideration of Neighbours

I was alarmed, concerned and ultimately unsurprised when told by a representative of Warwick DC that they have travelled the length and breath of the country to similar sites to speak to traveller families, council officials yet not (even once) those local residents that are affected by the sites. This is entirely preposterous, a scandalous mis-use of public money and shows the utter discontempt for residents (especially those of neighbouring Districts) that will be impacted by these plans.

Ideal sites

The following sites should be utilised. In each case they are either already marked 'Green' or the reasons for being amber or red are extremely weak in comparison with other sites.

GT06 - none of the reasons given against using GT06 are strong enough to preclude the site as being Green. Utilising 6 pitches at this site would spread the burden of provision around the district.

GT11 - as above, none of the reasons given are strong enough to preclude the site as being marked Green. This site would give access to the plentiful services in Warwick and has access to facilities and transport links. The only real reason this has been excluded is the council do not want Gypsy's 'in their backyard', as well as probably objections to a current or potential developer.

GT19 - again, an ideal site and possibly small enough for the local community to absorb, although this should be carefully monitored.

Gtalt01 - already earmarked as a camping site but unlikely to be viable as a business. If indeed there is a requirement, desire and need for such facilities, this a very clear and obvious place that gives residents access to the plentiful services on offer in Warwick Town.

On this point, it is as astonishing as it is unsurprising that the district council has not been 'able' to find any 'green rated' sites that would mean that the provision of services is drawn from the council home of Leamington Spa.

Gtalt02 - again, none of the reasons given are strong enough to preclude the site as being marked Green. This site would give access to the plentiful services in Leamington Spa and has access to facilities and transport links. The only real reason this has been excluded is the council do not want Gypsy's 'in their backyard'.

Gtalt03 - again, reasons not strong enough to preclude the site as being marked Green. This site would give access to the plentiful services in Warwick and has access to facilities and transport links. Likely to be affected by the views of a potential developer.

Gtalt12 - Marked Green, although there does seem likely to be a significant amount of pressure put on services in Barford which I believe may fall in Stratford-upon-Avon DC area.

Gtalt15 - Again, it is not clear as to why this site is not marked as green as different criteria seem to have been given to this and other sites. To claim that some remote sites are close enough to facilities and services but then to not comment in relation to this site is entirely perplexing.

The proposed sites at GT17, GT18 and GT20 are all absolutely ideal for a development of this type. There is not a single criteria that are not met by these sites and it seems that the wishes of one group (in this instance the highways) are accepted and not questioned unlike the view of residents elsewhere.
Best mix

The best mix is to place up to 38 pitches all at GT17, GT18 and GT20. As an alternative, the following mix would best meet the needs of the travelling community, not impact disproportionally on the lives of small communities in and near to Warwick District. All of these sites would have significant space to expand.

GT06 Land at Park Farm, Spinney Farm - 6 'pitches' (currently AMBER)
GT11 Land at Budbrooke Lodge, Racecourse and Hampton Road - 5 'pitches' (currently AMBER)
GT19 Land adjacent Shell Petrol Filling Station, Birmingham Road, Budbrooke, Warwick - 5 'pitches' (currently GREEN)
GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road - 15 'pitches' (currently GREEN)
GTalt02 Land off Rugby Road, Cubbington - 5 'pitches' (currently AMBER)
GTalt03 Henley Road/Hampton Road, Hampton-on-the-Hill - 5 'pitches' (currently AMBER)
GTalt15 r.o. department store, Leamington Retail Park - 5 'pitches' (currently RED)

That is if these facilities are needed at all - which frankly nobody believes.

Yours sincerely

James Skidmore

GT05 Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm, Banbury Road (WDC Alternative Site) is totally unsuitable for a development of this sort. Here are our reasons as to why
Close to M40 and A452 with accompanying noise pollution and access issues.
Already difficulty to exit village on A52 safely
Flooding issues on Mallory Road
Proximity to Village Incompatible with wanting to live apart from settled community.
Small village facilities-part time surgery, single form entry primary school
Visual impact on area I believe will be negative and bring into question the need for Blight notices to be served
The school cannot facilitate the children and any special needs due to it being small and one form per year
Im concerned about noise generated from site
Main road into village already dangerous without this community racing horses and carts down it as they did recently on the A46
In 1992 all BT residents were compensated for noise pollution due to siting of M40 - where is the compensation for this.
GT05 is closer to M40 than BT village. By the precedent set for compensation this
makes the site unsuitable for Caravans due to noise. A452 is a main arterial route to
M40(s) and to Gaydon Site from Leamington /Warwick making this an extremely
Too busy a road especially during morning and evening rush hour to be worsened by 10000 homes being built
Totally unsuitable to use good grade agricultural land. Will have developmental impact on the
approach to the village.
Exit onto the lane and or main road will be dangerous. Too close proximity to houses.
Too much of a vast open space
Compulsory purchase is unfair in order for the G&T community to operate the site as
a business.
No mains set up
No footpath to school/ docs etc.
Not suitable for business use and detriment to local businesses.
I run a business from the village and im afraid the stigma of such a site could affect my own business that sells to families.
I also run Warwickshire Hedgehog Rescue and we have released countless of these endangered animals into this location, and subsequent poor rubbish disposal as already demonstrated by these people elsewhere locally will harm wildlife.
School and Local GP surgery already oversubscribed
Only 10 minute walk from Oakley Wood (via wide verge) and opposite guide dogs
breeding centre, so not a good idea
Accident blackspot
Reputation damage to our primary school
The access from the farmers drive there is a blind spot at the brow of the hill so very
dangerous for pulling out of and turning into

GT06 Land at Park Farm, Spinney Farm (WDC Alternative Site)
Would harm the rural buffer zone and destroy the visual amenity on the approach to
Warwick
Severely restricts access for the owner of park farm to his remaining land
Proximity to major roads A452 and A425 with accompanying road noise pollution and
access issues
Adverse effect on viability of the farm business
Adverse visual impact on the countryside
Owner not willing to sell - expense of compulsory purchase
GT15 Land to east of Europa Way (WDC Preferred Site)
Access onto Europa Way would be dangerous
BT would have to serve the community but capacity at school is questionable
Doctors surgery is already under pressure
No bus route into Bishops Tachbrook Warwick or Leamington
GT15 is opposite busy trunk feeder
Minimal visual impact
Heavily wooded - no facilities
Steep sloping ground
Road access would need improving
Busy road
Only small site and therefore more sites needed (no doubt in Tachbrook)
No pavements
On motorway feeder
Not on bus route
On busy road accompanying road noise and pollution and access issues
Concerns over flooding and water contamination into the brook
Would require clearing woodland
After Brookside Willows, it does however appear to be the most suitable site
Screen from road
Close to Leamington for doctors and schools etc
Land owned by Council
Traffic calming measures
GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road (WDC Preferred Site) is a site I could back and agree that is suitable and manged by an external provider ie housing association not by the gypsies themselves
Ideal location well screened
Site already part prepared
Good road access
Needs a safe pedestrian footpath into Warwick
No immediate neighbours
Infrastructure already in place
Well away from main road
Preferred site
Good access to site already there
Easy access to Warwick Town by Public transport/ on foot
Less traffic that other main roads locally
Reused ground - no flooding
Good site
Planning for Caravan Site anyway: minimal difference and therefore costs are lower
Facilities already in existence
No compulsory purchase necessary
Minimum development needed for occupation
Planning permission approved for a caravan park
* More suitable that some of the alternatives

I would like to object to Option GT12 Westham Lane, Barford.
The reasons are that it does not fit your own criteria and there are better options being considered, the most obvious one being GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road. In addition, I feel that not enough time has gone into the planning of larger sites, that would be economically much better in terms of economies of scale and impact on fewer proposed sites.
New, larger, mixed communities within the new proposed developments in the area appear not to have been considered. Why? Then they could be properly planned and managed in a sympathetic and economic way.
GT12 Westham Lane is not suitable because:
* The site is situated on the edge of a very busy, fast road(A429)with a history of accidents at the nearby junctions making safe access impossible. It would also be noisy.
* The site is cut off from the village by A429 and would involve pedestrians crossing to get to the village primary school for instance.
* There is no doctor's surgery nearby.
* The physical impact of the site would be detrimental to the main tourist route between the area and the Cotswalds
* There are no utilities so provision of these would be costly.
* Integration into the landscape would obviously be an issue in a pretty riverside location.
GTalt01 Brookside Willows is a more obvious choice because:
* Access is safe and established
* The site is set back from the road which would be beneficial to all concerned and it is not situated on a fast stretch of road so traffic noise would not be an issue.
* Schools, doctors are nearby and transport links are good.
* There is safe, pedestrian links to town.

I object to the following proposed gypsy and traveller sites for the reasons set out below:

GT04: Land at Harbury Lane/Fosse Way
* 'The site is currently the home ground of Leamington Football Club.' Whilst the Football Club may be amenable to the sale of the land for a Gypsy and Traveller site the local people who support the team would have to travel a lot further to the ground, thus increasing traffic levels. It would also be a costly move for the Club which the District Council would have to subsidise.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to a public foul mains sewer, but could drain away from the south or be served by a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* It is in a very rural location, not connected to any footpaths and thus dangerous for access except by car.
GT05: Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm
* The site is in very close proximity to Bishop's Tachbrook School. As such it presents potential problems with school premises security as the transient nature of those living on the site may mean it isn't known who is living there at any given time. This has implications for the application of 'Sara's Law'.
* Bishop's Tachbrook School is already oversubscribed with children living in the village. The consultation document states that, 'Children living on this site would secure places over children at a greater distance.' This would disadvantage other permanent residents of the village as the transient nature of the gypsy and traveller lifestyle is such that the children may only be living on the site for a small proportion of the school year yet the school could be required to keep that place open for the whole year.
* There is currently a planning application for settled housing on this site which could be jeopardised by this site application. The Local Plan requires housing for both settled and travelling populations and by allocating this land for travellers, few settled people could be housed.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to public foul mains sewer and would need a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* The village has limited local facilities in general with just a single shop currently operating. This site would lead to additional traffic into Warwick and Leamington on already busy roads.
* The site is located close to the M40 and A452 with accompanying noise pollution and access issues which makes it unsuitable for residential development. This site is adjacent to a bad junction where there have already been a number of accidents.
* 'Compulsory purchase powers would have to be used to bring the site forward.' This would add additional cost to the planning process and also damage the feasibility of the agricultural employment currently being provided by Tachbrook Hill Farm. The economic viability of the farm could be compromised.
GT06: Land at Park Farm/Spinney Farm
* The site's proximity to major roads A452 and A425, with accompanying road noise pollution and access issues make this site unsuitable for residential purposes. The consultation document states, 'There may also be noise issues connected with proximity to Warwick By-Pass depending on where exactly the site is located'
* The consultation document highlights that, 'Use of just a central section of the site for this use may cause problems for a viable agricultural unit as it dissects fields'.
* The consultation document points out that whilst the site is within Flood Zone 1, 'There is however an ordinary watercourse running through the centre of the site and along the eastern boundary for which no modelling has been undertaken. This could affect the capacity of the site for development and therefore further assessment needs to be undertaken prior to allocation.' The potential contamination of this watercourse from the gypsy and traveller site should be taken into consideration given the possibility of contamination of the River Avon.
* The location of the site, on a major route into historic Warwick, could have an adverse impact on the rural landscape and approach to Warwick Castle tourist attraction.
* The consultation document highlights possible contamination issues 'There are unknown contamination issues relating to a former landfill site on western third of site which reduces the developable area.' This makes the size of the site less viable than other sites.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to public foul mains sewer and would need a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* 'Compulsory purchase powers would have to be used to bring the site forward.' This would add additional cost to the planning process and also damage the feasibility of the agricultural employment currently being provided by Park Farm/Spinney Farm. The economic viability of the farms could be compromised.

GT15: Land east of Europa Way
* The site's proximity to the A452, with accompanying road noise pollution and access issues make this site unsuitable for residential purposes.
* The A452 is a main route into Leamington for commuter traffic and access onto this road would be dangerous, with high potential for accidents.
* There are no footpaths connecting this site which would either force pedestrians to make dangerous journeys by foot or increase traffic congestion along an already congested route.
* Bishop's Tachbrook School is already oversubscribed with children living in the village and adding this site to the catchment area would disadvantage other permanent residents of the village as the transient nature of the gypsy and traveller lifestyle is such that the children may only be living on the site for a small proportion of the school year yet the school could be required to keep that place open for the whole year.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to public foul mains sewer and would need a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* As the site is in the ownership of Warwickshire County Council, this site could be in place more quickly than other sites.
GTalt01: Brookside Willows, Banbury Road
* The Tach Brook runs alongside this site and thus there is concern over the potential contamination of the Brook and the River Avon.
* As a previous landfill site there will be contaminants which may make the site unsuitable for permanent residential use (versus the holiday caravan site there is currently planning permission for).
* This site does have footpath access to the town of Warwick and the facilities and amenities therein.
* The site is well screened from the road and as much of the infrastructure is in place this site could be in place more quickly than other sites.

I object to the following proposed gypsy and traveller sites for the reasons set out below:

GT04: Land at Harbury Lane/Fosse Way
* 'The site is currently the home ground of Leamington Football Club.' Whilst the Football Club may be amenable to the sale of the land for a Gypsy and Traveller site the local people who support the team would have to travel a lot further to the ground, thus increasing traffic levels. It would also be a costly move for the Club which the District Council would have to subsidise.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to a public foul mains sewer, but could drain away from the south or be served by a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* It is in a very rural location, not connected to any footpaths and thus dangerous for access except by car.
GT05: Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm
* The site is in very close proximity to Bishop's Tachbrook School. As such it presents potential problems with school premises security as the transient nature of those living on the site may mean it isn't known who is living there at any given time. This has implications for the application of 'Sara's Law'.
* Bishop's Tachbrook School is already oversubscribed with children living in the village. The consultation document states that, 'Children living on this site would secure places over children at a greater distance.' This would disadvantage other permanent residents of the village as the transient nature of the gypsy and traveller lifestyle is such that the children may only be living on the site for a small proportion of the school year yet the school could be required to keep that place open for the whole year.
* There is currently a planning application for settled housing on this site which could be jeopardised by this site application. The Local Plan requires housing for both settled and travelling populations and by allocating this land for travellers, few settled people could be housed.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to public foul mains sewer and would need a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* The village has limited local facilities in general with just a single shop currently operating. This site would lead to additional traffic into Warwick and Leamington on already busy roads.
* The site is located close to the M40 and A452 with accompanying noise pollution and access issues which makes it unsuitable for residential development. This site is adjacent to a bad junction where there have already been a number of accidents.
* 'Compulsory purchase powers would have to be used to bring the site forward.' This would add additional cost to the planning process and also damage the feasibility of the agricultural employment currently being provided by Tachbrook Hill Farm. The economic viability of the farm could be compromised.
GT06: Land at Park Farm/Spinney Farm
* The site's proximity to major roads A452 and A425, with accompanying road noise pollution and access issues make this site unsuitable for residential purposes. The consultation document states, 'There may also be noise issues connected with proximity to Warwick By-Pass depending on where exactly the site is located'
* The consultation document highlights that, 'Use of just a central section of the site for this use may cause problems for a viable agricultural unit as it dissects fields'.
* The consultation document points out that whilst the site is within Flood Zone 1, 'There is however an ordinary watercourse running through the centre of the site and along the eastern boundary for which no modelling has been undertaken. This could affect the capacity of the site for development and therefore further assessment needs to be undertaken prior to allocation.' The potential contamination of this watercourse from the gypsy and traveller site should be taken into consideration given the possibility of contamination of the River Avon.
* The location of the site, on a major route into historic Warwick, could have an adverse impact on the rural landscape and approach to Warwick Castle tourist attraction.
* The consultation document highlights possible contamination issues 'There are unknown contamination issues relating to a former landfill site on western third of site which reduces the developable area.' This makes the size of the site less viable than other sites.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to public foul mains sewer and would need a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* 'Compulsory purchase powers would have to be used to bring the site forward.' This would add additional cost to the planning process and also damage the feasibility of the agricultural employment currently being provided by Park Farm/Spinney Farm. The economic viability of the farms could be compromised.
GT15: Land east of Europa Way
* The site's proximity to the A452, with accompanying road noise pollution and access issues make this site unsuitable for residential purposes.
* The A452 is a main route into Leamington for commuter traffic and access onto this road would be dangerous, with high potential for accidents.
* There are no footpaths connecting this site which would either force pedestrians to make dangerous journeys by foot or increase traffic congestion along an already congested route.
* Bishop's Tachbrook School is already oversubscribed with children living in the village and adding this site to the catchment area would disadvantage other permanent residents of the village as the transient nature of the gypsy and traveller lifestyle is such that the children may only be living on the site for a small proportion of the school year yet the school could be required to keep that place open for the whole year.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to public foul mains sewer and would need a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* As the site is in the ownership of Warwickshire County Council, this site could be in place more quickly than other sites.
GTalt01: Brookside Willows, Banbury Road
* The Tach Brook runs alongside this site and thus there is concern over the potential contamination of the Brook and the River Avon.
* As a previous landfill site there will be contaminants which may make the site unsuitable for permanent residential use (versus the holiday caravan site there is currently planning permission for).
* This site does have footpath access to the town of Warwick and the facilities and amenities therein.
* The site is well screened from the road and as much of the infrastructure is in place this site could be in place more quickly than other sites.

Gypsies and Travellers Preferred Options for Sites
Whilst I understand the need for these pitches, I object to Site GT12 Westham Lane as it does not comply with your own criteria on page 13 of the Preferred Options document where it states "the council has applied consistent criteria".

1. Access is not safe in any way. It is situated alongside the very busy A429 (Barford bypass) with a speed limit of 60 mph. Pedestrians and potential schoolchildren would have to cross this road to get access to the village. This road unfortunately has a history of too many serous accidents, some fatal.

2. Provision of utilities would be expensive, not cost effective
3. The physical aspect of this site would be extremely detrimental as it is situated on the main trunk road from historic Warwick to the Cotswolds, a very popular tourist route.
4. Integration into the landscape would be very difficult and the natural environment around the pretty River Avon would be destroyed.

A much more obvious choice would be GTalt01 Brookside Willows.
It is still located at the edge of Warwick with all its advantages but
1. Is screened form the Banbury Road
2. Has a good and safe access already built
3. Safe pedestrian access to town
4. Choice of good schools, surgeries and transport readily available
5. A pleasant environment and no issues with noise (either way).
6. It is a larger area and potentially could hold more pitches, making it more sense economically.

A longer term solution, surely, would be to provide larger G & T sites within the planning of new, larger mixed developments which will surely happen with the introduction of the Local Plan.
This makes sense both economically and from a planning point of view.

Please see below my comments in reference to the following sites:

GT04: Land at Harbury Lane/Fosse Way - Object

- There are no footpaths connecting to this site, therefore pedestrian access will be dangerous as peak travel times.

- Increased level of healthcare required by the Gypsy and Traveller community will put pressure on the local GP Surgery, which currently only runs on a part time basis.

- There has not been an appropriate solution found in reference to the Sewerage Disposal. A mains connected sewer is preferable, but it is stated in the consultation document that this is "unlikely".

- Cost to move the football club would have to be subsidised by the District Council, this will be a costly exercise with no gain.

GT05: Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm - Object

- Bishops Tachbrook School is already over subscribed, however the consultation document states that 'Children living on this site would secure places over children at a greater distance.' This disadvantages other permanent residents in the village.

- The site is in close proximity to Bishops Tachbrook School and will therefore have implications for the application of "Sara's Law".

- Extra pressure will be put on the local facilities, small local shop.

- Additional traffic would end up using the already congested roads into Warwick and South Leamington

- Increased level of healthcare required by the Gypsy and Traveller community will put pressure on the local GP Surgery, which currently only runs on a part time basis.

- Site is located close to the M40, this makes it unsuitable for residential development due to noise pollution and access issues, at an already busy junction.

- "Compulsory purchase powers" required on this site would further increase the costs to the planning process. In addition the economic viability of Tachbrook Hill Farm may be compromised.

- There has not been an appropriate solution found in reference to the Sewerage Disposal. A mains connected sewer is preferable, but it is stated in the consultation document that this is "unlikely".


GT06: Land at Park Farm/Spinney Farm - Object

- There is the potential for viable agricultural fields to be dissected, through use of only the "central section" of the site.

- The consultation document points out that whilst the site is within Flood Zone 1, 'There is however an ordinary watercourse running through the centre of the site and along the eastern boundary for which no modelling has been undertaken. This could affect the capacity of the site for development and therefore further assessment needs to be undertaken prior to allocation.' The potential contamination of this watercourse from the gypsy and traveller site should be taken into consideration given the possibility of contamination of the River Avon.

- The consultation document highlights possible contamination issues relating to a former landfill site, this will reduce the developable area, making the site less viable.

- Again the site's proximity to major roads A452 and A425, with accompanying road noise pollution and access issues make this site unsuitable for residential purposes. The consultation document states, 'There may also be noise issues connected with proximity to Warwick By-Pass depending on where exactly the site is located'

- "Compulsory purchase powers" required on this site would further increase the costs to the planning process. In addition the economic viability of Park Farm/Spinney Farm may be compromised.

- Increased level of healthcare required by the Gypsy and Traveller community will put pressure on the local GP Surgery, which currently only runs on a part time basis.

- There has not been an appropriate solution found in reference to the Sewerage Disposal. A mains connected sewer is preferable, but it is stated in the consultation document that this is "unlikely".

GT15: Land east of Europa Way - Object


- Bishops Tachbrook School is already over subscribed, however the consultation document states that 'Children living on this site would secure places over children at a greater distance.' This disadvantages other permanent residents in the village.

- There are no footpaths connecting to this site, therefore pedestrian access will be dangerous as peak travel times, with the potential for increased accidents.

- Increased level of healthcare required by the Gypsy and Traveller community will put pressure on the local GP Surgery, which currently only runs on a part time basis.

- There has not been an appropriate solution found in reference to the Sewerage Disposal. A mains connected sewer is preferable, but it is stated in the consultation document that this is "unlikely".

- Site is located close to a busy road, this makes it unsuitable for residential development due to noise pollution and there are access issues, at an already busy junction/main road into Leamington and Warwick.

GTalt01: Brookside Willows, Banbury Road - Comments

- This site does have footpath access to the town centre of Warwick and its facilities.

- The Tachbrook runs along this site and therefore there may be potential contamination of the Brook and River Avon.

- The consultation document highlights possible contamination issues relating to a former landfill site, this will reduce the developable area, making the site less viable and unsuitable for residential use.

- The site is well screened from the road and more of the infrastructure is already in place.

- This site already has planning for a Caravan Site

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