Object

Gypsy and Traveller Site Options

Representation ID: 55573

Received: 28/07/2013

Respondent: Mr Ian Evans

Representation Summary:

Site is close to Warwick and its Racecourse (which brings tourists) and St Mary's Land (both of historic importance) the largest green space close to the town centre. Being close to the Racecourse stable is a potential risk of disease from non-vaccinated animals to thoroughbred racehorses. Also adverse effect on the wildlife (a lot there). Tourists coming into Warwick on the Hampton Road would see the site first.
Part of the site is within a flood plain and selection is therefore contrary to "Planning Policy for Traveller Sites"; hard standings would exacerbate flood problems.
There is a depth of negative feeling and "peaceful and integrated co-existence" appears to be impossible. It could create anger, hatred and resentment in the local community.
The very busy Hampton Road/Purser Drive junction will become busier with the Chase Meadow estate development. Traffic travels too fast and an entrance to the proposed G&T site could be dangerous; especially with turning caravans.
This site is the closest to an existing populated area. A46 noise is very loud, with echoes as it passes under the Hampton Road Bridge. High potential for noise on this site.
Local services already struggling; schools struggling to cope with increased numbers.
If we all had 500sq m as "our pitch" maybe we too could work from the same location.
If it precedes will existing residents be compensated for effect on house prices (some moved into negative equity) and ability to sell?

Full text:

Dear Sir/Madam
Please find our objections to GT11 - Land at Budbrooke Lodge, Hampton Road
1) Avoiding areas where there could be adverse impact on important features of natural and historic environment and sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area: Warwick is an historic town and the proposed site is close to its Racecourse (which brings many tourists to the town) and St. Mary's Land (both of historical importance) and are the largest green space close to the centre of the town. The site on Hampton Road is very close to the Racecourse stable. There is a potential risk of disease being transferred from non-vaccinated animals to thoroughbred racehorses. There is also lot of wildlife in this area and this would be adversely affected if this site were to become a Gypsy site. The Hampton road is one of the main routes bringing tourists into Warwick if this site was chosen this is the first thing they would see when entering the town.
2) Avoiding areas with a risk of flooding: Part of the proposed Hampton Road site (GT11) sits within the flood plain, which is in conflict to the "Planning Policy for Traveller sites". If hard standings were placed in this area it would exacerbate the problems in the flood plain.
3) Promotes peaceful and integrated co existence between site and local community: Judging by the depth of negative feeling regarding the proposed site on Hampton Road "peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community" appears to be impossible. This could create anger, hatred and resentment within the local community.
4) Safe access to the road network: The junction of Purser Drive on to Hampton Road is very busy and will only become busier as the building on Chase Meadow estate increases. Traffic travels too fast down this stretch of road and to have an entrance to a Gypsy and Traveller site close by on the opposite side of the road could be dangerous especially with caravans turning in and out of the entrance.
5) Avoiding areas where there is potential for noise and disturbance:
Of all the proposed sites GT11 is the closest to an existing large populated area.
The noise from the A46 is very loud, especially where vehicles pass under the bridge where the Hampton Road crosses the A46, because the noise echoes. The site on the Hampton Road is very close to this bridge so there is a high potential for noise on this site.
6) Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services: Local services are already struggling with an ever growing population for example local schools are struggling to cope with the increase in pupil numbers.
7) Reflects the extent to which traditional lifestyles (whereby some travellers live and work from the same location omitting travel to work journeys) can contribute to sustainability. If we all had 500 sq metres as 'our pitch' maybe we too could live and work from the same location.

If this site gets the go ahead will existing residents be compensated for the knock on impact this site would have on house prices (leaving some in negative equity) and the ability to sell?