Object

Preferred Options for Sites

Representation ID: 64216

Received: 05/05/2014

Respondent: Mr Ian Purnell

Representation Summary:

I object on the grounds that Hampton on the Hill is not suitable for expansion and is not part of the local plan. The site has dangerous access from the main road, the area is subject to flooding, there is no sewage connection and most importantly it is on Green Belt land.

Full text:

I am writing to object to Site GTalt03 Henley Road / Hampton Road for use as a site to accommodate 15 gypsy and traveller pitches.

The site was previously the subject of a planning application for a single traveller family pitch. The government planning inspector refused to allow the application and I cannot see how creating 15 pitches on the same site will be more acceptable. Specifically:

1) Access to site from main road - was considered a major issue last time and a site for 15 pitches will result in considerably more traffic to the site. The Henley Road is used by a lot of traffic, travelling at a relatively high speed and visibility around the potential site is not good due to the elevation of the road in combination with a bend in the road and the nearby junction with the Hampton Road
2) The site will be in a highly visible location, raised up on land on one of the few rural routes into Warwick. It would be possible to disguise the site but at the expense of the rural landscape that gives this part of Warwick it's character. Warwick is an important tourist destination and this would be detrimental to first impressions of the area.
3) The Hampton road near the site is subject to flooding due to water run-off from the surrounding high land. The land round here has a high percentage of clay and does not drain well. Hard standing for caravans and roadways etc on the site will increase the chances of this happening in the future. How would this rain water run-off and sewage from the site be managed?
4) Hampton-on-the-Hill is not part of the Warwick District Local Plan (2006). I believe the village is not suitable for development / size increase by either building more housing stock or a traveller site. They would have a major impact on the rural setting of the village and begin the urban infill between Hampton-on-the-Hill and Warwick.
5) Leading on from point 4), the site is currently in green belt and until all other options are exhausted, there is no reason why this site should be considered a "special circumstance" and built on to the detriment of Warwickshire's rural environment.
6) An electricity line crosses the field. I cannot see how families with young children can safely be allowed to live under this high voltage line.