Reference GT-07 - Smiths Nurseries

Dear Sirs,

We wish to register our objection to the proposed development of a permanent site for gypsies and travellers in the village of Baginton. We feel this site is wholly inappropriate for such a small village for the following reasons:

a) The size of the site will result in it becoming a dominant feature within the small village of Baginton. It will dramatically increase the size of the village population without increasing the amenities needed to cover this increase in population.

b) There will be a significant number of children requiring places within the Baginton catchment area of schools. As the Baginton village children already find it difficult to be accepted at their first choice of school in the area, it would certainly not be appropriate to significantly increase the number of children requiring such places.

c) The link between crime and traveller sites is much talked about and debated, but just the perception of the site will cause the property values in the village to decrease dramatically.

d) Combined with the Coventry and Warwickshire gateway, this development is far too much and in too short a time for such a small community. The result of this development would be strained community relations and a reduction in quality of life for both the current village inhabitants and also the gypsies and travellers residing at the proposed site.