I represent the Evans family who own the land opposite the football club site. I am not going to repeat what many others have stated about lack of suitability of the site for foot paths, local shops, surgeries and integrating with the locals. Then there is the fact that the need report is flawed and the numbers are less than suggested. We object to the site because of all of the above and more but in addition our objection is based around the fact that we farm the land on the south side of the Harbury lane from the B4087 traffic light junction through to Windmill Hill Lane past the Fosseway. This area of over 600 acres stretching over 2 miles and probably is home to the most photographed windmill in the world.
We farm profitably and within the restrictions imposed by the European Union but we do voluntarily spend extra funds looking after wildlife, the environment and the general presentation of the land. I would like to think all who look think that the land is farmed in a neat and tidy manor and it is a joy to drive past and those numerous who walk to the windmill every hour of the day feel the same.
In addition we run several storage businesses from Squab Hall which serve members of the local community with self access storage and furniture removals and storage, we employ 35+ locals and throw a 6 figure sum into the business rate kitty every year. The problem we have with a traveller site so close is the stigma which is attached to these settlements, will local customers be happy with their goods being stored here any longer? We also run a document storage business Box It from here which serves local business right through to major utility companies. Many comment on the remoteness of this site, the fact that it is hidden away and again the stigma which goes with a traveller site close by along the same road is going to be detrimental to our business.
For all of the above reasons we strongly object to the building of a traveller site at GT04.