Object
Preferred Options for Sites
Representation ID: 64362
Received: 30/04/2014
Respondent: Mr Ian Evans
The site will have an adverse impact on important Local features that include the racecourse (a tourist attraction) and St Marys Lands ( a local recreational resource/ historic feature).There is the potential for disease to spread from non-vaccinated animals to the nearby stables / racehorses as well as to other wildlife. It would not be good for tourism if this site is the first thing visitors see when approaching Warwick from the Hampton Road.
Part of this site is within the flood plain which conflicts with the criteria/ policy for selecting Traveller Sites. If hardstanding were put here as part of a site it would exacerbate the localised flood plain problems.
Given the depth of local concern it will be impossible to create a site with a peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community.
The site is near to Purser Drive junction and is off the Hampton Road which is very busy and will only become busier as Chase Meadow grows. Speeds on this road could be dangerous to the travellers making access arrangements difficult.
The site will create noise and disturbance to a large existing populated area. The travellers site will itself, be subject to noise from the nearby A46.
The site will put pressure on local infrastructure and services , the Local schools cannot cope with exisiting demand for places.
If the site goes ahead will nearby residents be compensated for loss of property values?? and the inability to sell sucessfully.
1) Avoiding areas where there could be adverse impact on important features of natural and historic environment and sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area: Warwick is an historic town and the proposed site is close to its Racecourse (which brings many tourists to the town) and St. Mary's Land (both of historical importance) and are the largest green space close to the centre of the town. The site on Hampton Road is very close to the Racecourse stable. There is a potential risk of disease being transferred from non-vaccinated animals to thoroughbred racehorses. There is also lot of wildlife in this area and this would be adversely affected if this site were to become a Gypsy site. The Hampton road is one of the main routes bringing tourists into Warwick if this site was chosen this is the first thing they would see when entering the town.
2) Avoiding areas with a risk of flooding: Part of the proposed Hampton Road site (GT11) sits within the flood plain, which is in conflict to the "Planning Policy for Traveller sites". If hard standings were placed in this area it would exacerbate the problems in the flood plain.
3) Promotes peaceful and integrated co existence between site and local community: Judging by the depth of negative feeling regarding the proposed site on Hampton Road "peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community" appears to be impossible. This could create anger, hatred and resentment within the local community.
4) Safe access to the road network: The junction of Purser Drive on to Hampton Road is very busy and will only become busier as the building on Chase Meadow estate increases. Traffic travels too fast down this stretch of road and to have an entrance to a Gypsy and Traveller site close by on the opposite side of the road could be dangerous especially with caravans turning in and out of the entrance.
5) Avoiding areas where there is potential for noise and disturbance:
Of all the proposed sites GT11 is the closest to an existing large populated area.
The noise from the A46 is very loud, especially where vehicles pass under the bridge where the Hampton Road crosses the A46, because the noise echoes. The site on the Hampton Road is very close to this bridge so there is a high potential for noise on this site.
6) Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services: Local services are already struggling with an ever growing population for example local schools are struggling to cope with the increase in pupil numbers.
7) Reflects the extent to which traditional lifestyles (whereby some travellers live and work from the same location omitting travel to work journeys) can contribute to sustainability. If we all had 500 sq metres as 'our pitch' maybe we too could live and work from the same location.
If this site gets the go ahead will existing residents be compensated for the knock on impact this site would have on house prices (leaving some in negative equity) and the ability to sell?