Object

Gypsy and Traveller Site Options

Representation ID: 54092

Received: 28/07/2013

Respondent: Mr Richard Shurvinton

Representation Summary:

Objection to site GT02 due to impact on local economy by closing down a viable business; no street lighting or footpaths in the area of a high speed road, so makes site dangerous for pedestrians; lack of adequate nearby health facilities and schools with no public transport to get to any of them anyway; ancient woodland nearby and site is on the Archaeological register.

Full text:

With reference to GT02.
I object for the following reasons;

1) The proposed site will be direct access off a fast road - the Fosse Way (National Speed Limit I.E. 60mph), which is listed as an 'High Risk' travel route, with more than 12 serious accidents in the last 3 years - Not safe for slowing down and turning with caravans.

2) There are no nearby bus stops for public transport - the nearest is in either Ufton or Radford Semele, and there are neither footpaths or street lighting either along the Fosse Way, or the Southam Road - meaning that both pedestrians and drivers are in danger of potentially serious accidents.

3) Lack of schools and school places: Nearest junior schools are in either Harbury, Radford Semele or Long Itchington, and senior schools in either Southam, Royal Leamington Spa or Warwick. The issue with local junior schools again is lack of pedestrian footpaths to either Radford Semele or Harbury, and for the senior schools the fact that attending them would require vehicles, and therefore increased carbon footprint.

4) Lack of nearby health facilities: Small scale doctor's surgeries at both Harbury and Southam may not be able to cope with an influx of additional patients from a nearby Traveller site, and again, no pedestrian footpaths or bus service to them from the proposed Fosse Way site.

5) Nearby Ancient Sites: The Fosse Way is itself an 'Ancient' site, being a Roman Road, and the proposed site is on the Archaeological Register with Ancient Pottery having been found. The land is also an historic Toll Site from medieval times.

6) Rural Environment: I feel that there will be damage to the local wildlife habitat, and the proposed site is adjacent to protected ancient woodland.

7) Impact on Local Economy: It seems complete madness in a time of economic turmoil to 'compulsory purchase' and close down a site that has a current, viable and sustainable business - that both contributes approximately £2M annually to the local economy, and also brings in 'knock on' trade to the area and it's economy, as well as providing desperately needed local jobs. I hardly think the Government would approve such an action plan.