Object

Preferred Options for Sites

Representation ID: 64209

Received: 05/05/2014

Respondent: Mr Mark Harris

Representation Summary:

Three key areas of objection are provided in the detail comment - these each need careful consideration.
1. Commercial
2. Environmental
3. Planning

Full text:

1. Commercial:
* The site cost to create 5 to 10 permanent pitches ranges between £325k to £650k, using government's figures (£65k per pitch). In addition to this, G04 site may require relocation of Football club.

* The economics of creating and letting permanent pitch sites does not add up. According to GTAA report section 7, typical pitch rental is £65-£80 per week (Approx £40k pa for 10 pitches). For a site landlord, this needs to offset an initial outlay of £650k for a 10-pitch site, ie 16 years to break even. GTAA survey found that G&Ts housed in brick & morter accommodation cannot afford G&T site rental costs.

* Due to the existing businesses affected by development of sites GT02 and GT04, Compulsory Purchase would incur significant costs due to relocation and loss of profit. Over 20 years this could amount to millions.

2. Environmental:
* Ref SDC Reg 18 consultation (Q1 2014) point 9, potential sites need consideration with respect to "previously developed, untidy or derelict land". GT04 (and GT02) do not qualify in these respects.
* Assessment of site suitability should be consistent with other planning requests. Note that domestic planning applications within GT04 has been recently rejected by council planning authorities, referencing rural policy on the grounds that the proposal would have an "impact to character of the area".

3. Planning:
* According to aroma maps (ref planning consultant John Pope's letter to WDC 28th March 2014) GT04 is within zone of Chicken farm. This raises environmental and health concerns, and is the primary reason that the Barnwell farm consideration was rejected.
* Accessibility to shops and local services: GT04 does not meet national planning framework guidelines recommended 5-10mins walk on a pavement.
* GT02/GT04 Proximity to school and doctors: Harbury school and doctors both full.
* Proximity to local community: Neither GT04 nor GT02 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 in contrast to national planning framework guidelines recommendations.
* GT04 does not meet national planning framework guidelines recommendations for accessibility to good local transport.
* Neither GT04 nor GT02 meet national planning framework guidelines recommendations for availability of good infrastructure (roads, pavement, street lighting, broadband, cellphone reception).
* In accordance with planning and building regs, GT04 and GT02 sites are unable to use soakaway or runoff since soil is clay based.
* GT04 is within 400m of the Harbury Lane Breakers yard, which generates noise and pollution.
* GT04 and GT02 raise road safety concerns, due to proximity to Fosse Way and Harbury Lane/Southam Rd with no pavements.