Preferred Site GT04 for Gypsies and Travellers (G&T)

I wish to object to the Gypsy and Traveller preferred site GT04 Land at Harbury Lane, Fosse Way.

My comments and some of my concerns are as follows:

* I query the validity and accuracy of the Salford GTAA report in order to establish need.
* The WDC consultation does not consider as required the existing capacity of current sites within Warwickshire county and adjacent districts.
* The GTAA ignores the impact of the planned Transit site near Southam which has been agreed since completion of the GTAA.
* According to the Government's planning policy framework, adjacent DCs are required to collaborate, and yet there is no evidence that WDC has collaborated or discussed with Stratford DC.
* There is no evidence in WDC's consultation report that, as required by NPFF and CLG, WDC have weighed up the cost to council of Compulsory purchase vs development of underutilised brownfield sites including those that the council already own.


Specific to Site GT04:

GT04 does not meet national planning framework guidelines in the following areas:
* Not within recommended 5-10mins walk on a pavement for accessibility to shops, local services or good local transport
* Not on community periphery to encourage integration.
* No good infrastructure (roads, pavement, street lighting, broadband, cellphone reception) .
* G&T requires schools / GP surgeries to be a 5-10 minute walk away with GT04 at least a 45 minute walk away.
* The nearest primary, junior and senior schools & GPs are already at capacity.



The site is unsuitable and unpleasant for G&Ts because:

* The area is prone to flooding with Harbury Lane and surrounding fields often under water.
* In accordance with planning and building regs, GT04 would be unable to use soak away or runoff based drainage systems since the soil is clay based and will require connection to mains sewerage which does not exist in Harbury Lane.
* GT04 is located on Harbury Lane and Fosse Way cross roads which is a high risk travel route with high volumes of traffic and an increasing number of accidents.
* Children will be at risk if allowed to stand on a busy road to wait for transport to school.
* According to aroma maps GT04 is within zone of aerial discharge from Barnwell Chicken farm. This raises serious environmental and health concerns.
* GT04 is within 400m of the Harbury Lane Breakers yard which generates noise and air pollution.


In addition,

* The 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. There is no firm evidence that G&T can or will pay these sums of money and WDC have not suggested an alternative if G&T cannot or will not pay. GT04 should not be considered if there is not proof that G&T can and will buy and develop it.
* GT04 is an area of good quality farmland fully utilised for livestock and arable farming.

* The site will damage wildlife habitat.
* GT04 will lack integration into the landscape and would spoil the views from Chesterton Windmill, a 17th-century Grade I listed building and a striking landmark in South-East Warwickshire, and views from Harbury and The Fosse Way (Roman Road).
* If GT04 were to be developed, the use of a vehicle or public transport to shops, doctors and schools is a necessity and not considered eco-friendly.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our views.