Comment

Gypsy and Traveller Site Options

Representation ID: 56988

Received: 29/07/2013

Respondent: Geoff & Judy Cooper

Representation Summary:

Extend existing sites at Fields Farm Harbury, The Croft Hasely Knob, Heathcote Lakes, Oaklands Farm Budbrooke, Pitts Farm Shrewley and Warwick Racecourse.
Suggest land leading from Europa Way enclosed by harbury Lane and Heathcote Lane adj to Industrial estate - already used by travelling community.

Full text:

Dear Sirs

We wish to object to a number of proposed sites as follows:

GT05, GT06. GT09, GT10 and GT20 - all these sites are too close to either busy main roads/motorways. There would be too much noise for travellers and the sites could cause a distraction to drivers on these nearby roads resulting in accidents.

GT09 and GT10 - safe entry and exit from these sites would not be possible and would be hazardous.

GT05 and GT10 - these sites are in close proximity to Oakley Wood and the Crematorium. Oakley Wood is a public amenity and is currently undergoing major regeneration as outlined in the Woodland Management Plan put in place by Warwick District Council. The Crematorium is a space for reflection and remembrance. Any increased activity from a nearby travellers site could be harmful to the current balance and harmony of the Wood and would almost certainly result in a reduction in numbers using the Crematorium and also the Wood.

GT10 - The Guide Dogs for the Blind breeding centre is a world renowned facility providing an extremely important service. Any disturbance would be counter-productive to the high standard of service provided by the breeding centre.

We are at a loss to understand why new sites, affecting the landscape, need to be found. There are existing caravan sites at Fields Farm Harbury, The Croft Hasely Knob, Heathcote Lakes, Oaklands Farm Budbrooke, Pitts Farm Shrewley and Warwick Racecourse - surely it would be possible to extend and/or convert these to travellers sites.

An area not being considered but which we feel would be suitable is land leading from Europa Way enclosed on 2 sides by Harbury Lane and Heathcote Lane adjacent to Heathcote Industrial Estate. This land is already a popular location and well used with the travelling community.

We wish our comments to be submitted to the public consultation process currently being held.