Object

Preferred Options for Sites

Representation ID: 64120

Received: 03/05/2014

Respondent: Debbie Wiggins

Representation Summary:

A poor site remote, unappealing to gypsy families - unlikely to be used. It fails to meet the criteria in so many ways, is this another example of WDC ignoring their own rules - they've done it before.

Full text:

The area is isolated and remote. Why would any gypsy families want to use it. There are no footpaths along Harbury Lane which has fast moving traffic. To get anywhere the families would need to use cars or the bus, this does seem a poor choice from the gypsy point of view. As a resident in the area I know that we cannot build additional properties on our land due to the local plan - it may not be green belt, but planning permission for residents would and is refused. Our broadband won't be upgraded - it is currently 0.75MB (one of the worst in the country), we have no mains sewers or gas. We have no bus services or pavements and no PCSO support - is this appealing for a gypsy family. They seem to want to pitch near other communities, so you may build the site and no one would use it - what an expensive white elephant.

The site does not meet the fundamental planning criteria laid out in the NPPF, guidance from Department of Communities and Local Government and WDC's own consultation documents for Gypsy & Traveller sites. GT04 does not comply with planning policy whereby sites should provide access to nearby services and quality of life. Specifically:-
- Accessibility to shops and local services: GT04 does not meet national planning framework guidelines recommended 5-10mins walk on a pavement.
-Proximity to local community: GT04 does not meet the national planning framework guidelines recommendation for sites to be on community periphery to encourage integration.
-Establishing 5-10 pitches at GT04 would be disproportionate to the local community (8 residential properties, with 16 adults and 4 children). This is contradictory to national planning framework guidelines recommendations.
- GT04 does not meet national planning framework guidelines recommendations for accessibility to good local transport.
- GT04 does not meet national planning framework guidelines recommendations for availability of good infrastructure (roads, pavement, street lighting, broadband, cellphone reception).The infrastructure at GT04 is poor and would require considerable investment to rectify. And this is not an expense that WDC should incur during times of cutbacks in public expenditure and services.