Object

Gypsy and Traveller Site Options

Representation ID: 53909

Received: 28/07/2013

Respondent: CPRE WARWICKSHIRE

Representation Summary:

Certain criteria listed should not be applied in the form proposed. See details.

Full text:

Some of these criteria for suitability are unrealistic and would constrain the choice of sites too much.
(1) Access to public transport, school, surgery - gypsies and travellers are greater users of private motor vehicles than the general population, and would use cars or vans to access services. So 'convenient access' is not necessary.
(2) Flood risk areas - gypsies use mobile homes and caravans and are much more able to move quickly in case of flooding than normal householders. So area which might flood once in 50 years should not be excluded.
(3) Areas where there is noise and disturbance - gypsy sites are commonly alongside main roads or are subject to traffic noise. Any new site found which is acceptable on landscape grounds may be adjacent to a main road. These sites should not be excluded.
Criteria should therefore not restrict choice of sites for above reasons.