I was amazed to learn that WDC have cut straight across the prolonged consultation process in the selection of suitable sites to permanently accommodate Gypsies and Travellers in the Warwick District Council (WDC) area with the eleventh hour inclusion of a portion of land, bordered by the A429 Stratford Road, M40 motorway and River Avon, which had not been previously considered (Site B).
I can see the attraction of this site in terms of easy road access (via the existing 'Tournament Fields' roundabout) and the fact that the land in question is jointly owned by WDC, Severn Trent Water and another amenable land owner; thus simplifying land acquisition. I understand that part of the site was already earmarked for employment needs under the Local Plan and that this will be swept up in the overall development plan.
So what are the drawbacks? I believe there are valid objections to the proposals both from the point of view of potential occupiers of the site and of established local residents, which I outline below.
1. Loss of farmland. According to the Council's own site assessment, part of the area in question is designated grade 2 farm land. In response to other potential sites I note that the Council have stated that "ideally grade 2 land would not be used for development". These meadows are currently being grazed.
2. Proximity to STW sewage treatment plant. The draft Local Plan notes "This site was previously unsuitable due to a Cordon Sanitaire in place around the sewage works. However, due to modern working practices and equipment, the Cordon Sanitaire could now be reduced in area." How convenient! As a resident of Chase Meadow I am keenly aware that, under the right climatic conditions, we have to keep our windows closed because of the smell from this plant. The Travellers' site would be considerably closer.
3. Proximity to River Avon. Whilst the site itself appears to be generally above the conventional 'flood plain', it is highly susceptible to exceptional flood levels (that are becoming more common). The site adjoins the river so would be the first to be affected under these circumstances. There are also potential safety issues, particularly for children, with the closeness of reed beds and a fast flowing river.
4. Proximity to M40 motorway. The furthest point of the site boundary is only some 550m from the hard shoulder. Most of the site is much nearer and will be subject to persistent, mind-numbing, traffic noise. Again there are, potentially, significant safety issues, particularly for children, with ease of access to the adjacent motorway.
5. Proximity to private dwellings. A number of dwellings that could be considered 'executive homes' are in close proximity to the site; e.g. houses on Earls Meadow, Longbridge Manor. There are hotels and restaurants; e.g. Warwick Hilton, Holiday Inn, Porridge Pot. Home Farm is indicated as being totally surrounded by the site!
6. Potential for unauthorised extension. It is not currently known where the permanent Travellers' encampment would be located within Site B, but the space requirement for 15 pitches is very small in relation to the overall area. Therein lies the problem. What is to stop additional space being taken over (illegally) by further groups of Travellers - if only in transit? Such a scenario would be very tempting, particularly given the benefits of the many local amenities listed in the Council's site assessment.
7. History of illegal encampments. Travellers have often set up camp in the Warwick area. 'Tournament Fields' has been 'invaded' several times; this is directly across the Stratford Road from Site B. Earlier this year 'Tapping Way' was also illegally taken over; another location close to Site B. What is the relevance of this? It points to the familiarity, perhaps even popularity, of this area to sections of the Traveller community. The establishment of a permanent base, as noted in the previous paragraph, has the potential to expand to larger gatherings and could also lead to more frequent attempts to set up these illegal camps, exacerbating the issue further, with a detrimental effect on the neighbourhood and even interruption of traffic on the Stratford Road.
I would ask that the forgoing be taken into account and the issues considered as part of the assessment of the unsuitability of this parcel of land for the purpose being mooted.