GT02 Land abutting the Fosse Way at its junction with the B425
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58724
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr Dennis Witt
-No convenient access to a GP surgery or school which are nearly full
-Concern over road safety on Fosse Way from vehicle access to the site and additional traffic adding to congestion
-No existing utilities on site, drainage issues
-Potential disturbance to local wildlife
-Negative impact on local business (Warwickshire Exhibition Centre), causing damage to local economy, tourism and loss of jobs
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58725
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mrs P A Crowther
-No convenient access to a GP surgery or school and it would place additional pressure on nearby amenities with additional houses too
-There is no direct public transport or footpath access to the site, which could pose a road safety hazard
-No existing utilities on site such as sewerage or gas, and it could place pressure on rural electricity supply
-Adverse visual and physical impact on the rural landscape from exposed location, harming the character of the area
-Difficulty integrating to the local community as located in a remote rural location
-Negative impact on local business (Warwickshire Exhibition Centre), causing damage to local economy amd loss of jobs
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58734
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Miss Kayleigh Winterburn
-No convenient access to a GP surgery or school and it would place additional pressure on nearby amenities
-Difficulty integrating to the local community as located in a remote location and outnumbering local population
-Site close to protected woodland with protected species
-Negative impact on local business (Warwickshire Exhibition Centre), causing damage to local economy
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58735
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr P F Clark
-Negative impact on local business (Warwickshire Exhibition Centre), causing damage to local economy and loss of jobs
-No convenient access to a schools, GP surgery or dentist and it would place additional pressure on nearby amenities
-No existing utilities on site and concern over who is investing in this
-Adverse visual impact on the rural landscape
-Close to a main road with no footpaths or pedestrian infrastructure
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58736
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr Donald D S Rowe
-No convenient access to a GP surgery or school and it would place additional pressure on nearby amenities
-Concern over resident safety due to proximity of the road particular children
-Adverse visual impact on the rural landscape from irregular pattern and potential work practises expanding the scale of the site.
-No existing utilities on site such as sewerage or gas, and it could place pressure on rural electricity supply and other infrastructure
-Adverse visual impact on the rural/agricultural landscape, from urbanisation
-Difficulty integrating to the local community as located in a remote location and outnumbering the local population
-Negative impact on local business (Warwickshire Exhibition Centre), causing damage to local economy and tourism
-Site close to protected woodland with endangered species
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58738
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mrs K Timms
-No convenient access to a GP surgery or school and it would place additional pressure on nearby amenities
-Concern over resident safety due to proximity of the road particular children
-Site of historical and archaeological importance, occupying agricultural land
-Difficulty integrating to the local community as located in a remote location and outnumbering the local population
-Adverse visual impact on the rural landscape from irregular pattern and potential work practises expanding the scale of the site.
-No existing utilities on site such as sewerage or gas, and it could place pressure on rural electricity supply and other infrastructure
-Negative impact on local business (Warwickshire Exhibition Centre), causing damage to local economy
-Additional traffic and access to the site would only increase hazards on the road
-Site close to protected woodland with endangered species
-Local services, facilities, medical care and schools cannot cope with further development
- Urbanisation of rural landscape for pedestrian infrastructure
-Site close to protected woodland with protected species
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58739
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr Alan E Payne
-No convenient access to a GP surgery or school and it would place additional pressure on nearby amenities
-Area prone to flooding
-Additional traffic and access to the site would only increase hazards on the road
Access issues
-No existing utilities on site
-Adverse visual and physical impact on the rural landscape from exposed location harming the character of the area
-Concern over feasibility of integrated co-existence, due to local opposition
-Pressure on local infrastructure and services
-No evidence to support sustainable work practises
-Previous negative experience with gypsys and travellers
-Potential damage to protected woodland with protected species
Perceived increase in crime
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58741
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr D J S Ainscow
-Negative impact on local business (Warwickshire Exhibition Centre), causing damage to local economy
-No convenient access to local amenities, and would place extra pressure on limited services
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58742
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr James Allsopp
-No convenient access to a GP surgery or school and it would place additional pressure on nearby amenities
-Difficulty integrating to the local community as located in a remote location and outnumbering the local population
-Negative impact on local business (Warwickshire Exhibition Centre), causing damage to local economy
-Site close to protected woodland with endangered species
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58743
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr Alan John Ellison
-Negative impact on local housing market because of negative association with 'Gypsies and Travellers' and adverse visual impact on the rural landscape
-Negative impact on local business (Warwickshire Exhibition Centre), causing damage to local economy
-Additional pressure on nearby services e.g. doctor surgery
-Previous negative experience with gypsys and travellers in relation to crime
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58744
Received: 19/07/2013
Respondent: Catriona Rollason
Local GP surgeries are either full or not served by public transport meaning no convenient access.
Radford Primary School is almost full and will be oversubscribed if the proposed new houses are built in the village. Harbury Primary School is also full.
The public transport is satisfactory but residents are likely to use their own transport. There is a bus stop on the B425 but no pedestrian links from it to the potential site.
Site will generate hundreds of traffic movements daily adding to peak time delays on a fast road that is designated a High Risk Route by the County Council. Being on the junction of two major roads the access may require highway improvements but it's unwise to introduce more traffic here. Also any new bus shelters, pedestrian crossing, street lighting etc will add to the urbanization of the area.
Fosse Way a very busy main road which creates the potential for noise and disturbance to site residents
Site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and only a limited rural electricity supply line so fails to meet the Council's site requirement criteria.
At this point the Fosse Way is on its original alignment so considerable archaeological remains will be destroyed as previous remains have been found locally. Therefore it's important that archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded prior to any site works.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is four times the size of the Exhibition Centre and could increase if working space is also included. The large number and variety of caravans and vehicles in the bottom of the valley cannot be integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area. Also the historic traditional Woodlands provide habitat for birds and small mammals (Pipistrelle bats, great crested newts) and would be greatly affected by the site and possible intrusion and activities of younger residents.
The village of Radford Semele over 1.5 miles away and there is a very small community in Fosse Way (20 houses) within half a mile of the site. The 120 residents on site will absorb rather than integrate with this small local community so will not encourage peaceful and integrated co-existence.
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and the electricity supply is a limited rural line which will possibly need upgrading to an increase in demand.
The perception of the site will impact on the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre which is likely to lose events and make it impossible to continue operating resulting in job losses. Local economy will lose the money spent on accommodation, food, entertainment etc from visitors to the Exhibition Centre (c£5m). Additionally several other local businesses (employing between 50 and 60 people) would be caused significant difficulties by this development.
Unauthorised expansion from the site onto agricultural land could mean contractors would not risk tractors and equipment and together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land becoming unsightly and unfarmed.
Fosse Alpaca and Kune Kune Pigs are located close to the site, and it is important to protect the animals from diseases (foot and mouth, bTB and Parro virus) which can be spread by human trespass and unvaccinated dogs. The animals graze on fields between the site and the Grand Union Canal.
The site will be major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area and make further 'ribbon' development harder to resist.
see attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58748
Received: 19/07/2013
Respondent: Ian Macwhinnie
Local GP surgeries are either full or not served by public transport meaning no convenient access.
Radford Primary School is almost full and will be oversubscribed if the proposed new houses are built in the village. Harbury Primary School is also full.
The public transport is satisfactory but residents are likely to use their own transport. There is a bus stop on the B425 but no pedestrian links from it to the potential site.
Site will generate hundreds of traffic movements daily adding to peak time delays on a fast road that is designated a High Risk Route by the County Council. Being on the junction of two major roads the access may require highway improvements but it's unwise to introduce more traffic here. Also any new bus shelters, pedestrian crossing, street lighting etc will add to the urbanization of the area.
Fosse Way a very busy main road which creates the potential for noise and disturbance to site residents
Site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and only a limited rural electricity supply line so fails to meet the Council's site requirement criteria.
At this point the Fosse Way is on its original alignment so considerable archaeological remains will be destroyed as previous remains have been found locally. Therefore it's important that archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded prior to any site works.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is four times the size of the Exhibition Centre and could increase if working space is also included. The large number and variety of caravans and vehicles in the bottom of the valley cannot be integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area. Also the historic traditional Woodlands provide habitat for birds and small mammals (Pipistrelle bats, great crested newts) and would be greatly affected by the site and possible intrusion and activities of younger residents.
The village of Radford Semele over 1.5 miles away and there is a very small community in Fosse Way (20 houses) within half a mile of the site. The 120 residents on site will absorb rather than integrate with this small local community so will not encourage peaceful and integrated co-existence.
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and the electricity supply is a limited rural line which will possibly need upgrading to an increase in demand.
The perception of the site will impact on the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre which is likely to lose events and make it impossible to continue operating resulting in job losses. Local economy will lose the money spent on accommodation, food, entertainment etc from visitors to the Exhibition Centre (c£5m). Additionally several other local businesses (employing between 50 and 60 people) would be caused significant difficulties by this development.
Unauthorised expansion from the site onto agricultural land could mean contractors would not risk tractors and equipment and together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land becoming unsightly and unfarmed.
Fosse Alpaca and Kune Kune Pigs are located close to the site, and it is important to protect the animals from diseases (foot and mouth, bTB and Parro virus) which can be spread by human trespass and unvaccinated dogs. The animals graze on fields between the site and the Grand Union Canal.
The site will be major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area and make further 'ribbon' development harder to resist.
Site GT02 - Land abutting the Fosse Way at its junction with the B425
What is the nature of your representation? Object
* Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;
This site is in excess of 1.5miles from any GP surgery. The proposed site is outside of the catchment area of Harbury Surgery and the nearest surgery is the Croft Medical Centre in Sydenham which is 3.3 miles away which I understand is full. The next surgery is the Cubbington Road Surgery which is 4.7 miles distant and is not served by direct public transport so there is no convenient access to a surgery.
The position with regard to schooling is similar with Radford Primary School being almost fully subscribed and if the additional hundred houses are built in the village it will be full. This is outside of the Harbury catchment area and Harbury Primary School has had recent issues with too many children already.
The public transport whilst satisfactory is largely irrelevant as the residents are unlikely to use anything other than their own transport. There is a bus stop on the B425 however there is no pedestrian links from that to the potential site.
* Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding
No comment
* Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;
The proposed 15 pitch site will contain up to 50 vehicles and generate hundreds of traffic movements daily. It is on the junction of two major roads and access into the traffic flow will possibly need highway improvements. It is possibly unwise to introduce even more traffic turns at this major junction and it will certainly add significantly to existing peak time delays. GT02 is sited on the junction of two main roads with high traffic flows and the Fosse Way in particular sees fast traffic despite the nearby speed camera and is a designated High Risk Route by the County Council.
* Avoiding areas where there is the potential for noise and disturbance
This site is adjacent the Fosse Way a very busy and noisy main road.
* Provision of utilities (running water, toilet facilities waste disposal etc);
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the
electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
* Avoiding areas where there could be an adverse impact on important, features of the natural and historic environment;
This choice of site overlooks the fact that at this point the Fosse Way, as the original Roman road built nearly 2000 years ago is known, is on its original alignment and there is likely to be considerable archaeological remains in the area which will be destroyed by the development. There was also a tollhouse at this point in the 17th and 18th centuries and remains have been found. Nearby there are traditional historic Woodlands which contain rare species so this criteria is not met.
* Sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is four times the size of the Exhibition Centre and if the Enfusion (consultants) recommendation to include working space is adopted this would possibly increase to 6 times the area of the Exhibition Centre. There will be a large variety of caravans and vehicles on the site so, being in the bottom of the valley, it cannot integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area.
* Promotes peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community;
In this respect the local community forms two distinct sections. There is a very small community of some 20 houses within half a mile of the site along the Fosse Way and the far greater community in the village of Radford Semele over 1.5 miles away. It will be difficult to integrate the residents into the local Fosse Way community as with up to 120 residents on site rather than integrate they will actually absorb the local community. This does not meet the criteria of a peaceful and integrated co-existence.
* Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services;
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
* Reflects the extent to which traditional lifestyles (whereby some travellers live and work from the same location thereby omitting many travel to work journeys) can contribute to sustainability.
No comment
Other issues which I consider should be taken into consideration
Local Business/Employment
There are several businesses located at GT 02 in addition to the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. They include salad producers, specialist storage, event management and publishing. Collectively they employ between 50 and 60 people and the site would cause significant difficulties for all.
Should this site be chosen, then due to the PERCEPTION of event organisers It is estimated that within two years the Exhibition Centre would lose sufficient events to make it impossible to continue operating and the company itself would cease to exist resulting in upwards of ten permanent job losses and a further 30 event staff losses.
Tourism and the wider economic situation
It is anticipated that the Exhibition Centre will contribute in the region of £5 million to the local economy in hotel accommodation, restaurants, entertainment, bus and taxi usage over the coming four years. Events attract visitors from a wide area and it is often the case that husbands/wives/partners will use the exhibition bus service to go shopping in Leamington Spa whilst spouses enjoy the exhibitions. This would all be lost if the Exhibition Centre were to close.
Archaeology and Heritage
GT 02 is located right next to the historic Fosse Way. The road now known as the Fosse Way was built following the Roman invasion in AD 43, nearly 2000 years ago, and has been a major highway throughout the centuries. There was a tollhouse on the junction of the Fosse Way and Southam Road in the 17th and 18th centuries. If GT 02 is approved it is important that a major archaeological dig should take place prior to site work so that the archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded.
Urbanisation
GT 02 will involve considerable infrastructure in addition to the actual site. Its proximity to the roundabout may require traffic control and road widening to provide a right turning lane for access. Further features could include bus shelters and a pedestrian crossing and more street lighting would be needed.
Agriculture
At present the proposed GT02 site is part of an area of some 50 acres of good quality, extensively farmed land. Unauthorised intrusion from GT 02 into the agricultural land could result in contractors not wishing to risk tractors and equipment and this together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land ceasing to be farmed and becoming unsightly.
Rural Landscape
The area surrounding GT 02 is rural and agricultural in aspect andthe proposed site will be a major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area. If the site is built, the council will be ill placed to prevent further 'ribbon' development.
Animal Welfare
Located close to GT 02 are Fosse Alpaca and Kune Kune Pigs, a business breeding these rare breed livestock. The Alpaca herd numbers 30 animals and the owners are extremely conscious of bio security and the need to protect the animals from diseases such as foot and mouth, bTB and Parro virus. These diseases can be spread by human trespass and unvaccinated dogs. The animals graze on fields between GT 02 and the Grand Union Canal.
Ecology and Habitat
GT 02 is close to two historic traditional Woodlands, which provide a habitat for birds and small mammals that would be greatly affected by the proposed site and the possible intrusion and activities of younger residents. It is known to be a habitat for Pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and also great crested newts (Triturus cristatus), amongst other species.
Site GT03 - Land at Barnwell Farm
What is the nature of your representation? Object
* Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;
This site is in excess of 1.5miles from any GP surgery. The proposed site is outside of the catchment area of Harbury Surgery and the nearest surgery is the Warwick Gates Family Health Centre which approximately3 miles away which I understand is full so there is no convenient access to a surgery.
The position with regard to schooling is similar with GT03 being outside of the Harbury catchment area and Harbury Primary School has had recent issues with too many children already. There are several schools in Whitnash (over 2 miles away) with limited capacity.
The public transport whilst satisfactory is largely irrelevant as the residents are unlikely to use anything other than their own transport. There is a bus stop on the Harbury Lane however there is no pedestrian links from that to the potential site.
* Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding
The area is prone to flooding. Fields are often under water and livestock and ponies moved accordingly. The area is effectively a flood plain.
Harbury Lane is often flooded and impassable.
* Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;
The proposed 15 pitch site will contain up to 50 vehicles and generate hundreds of traffic movements daily. It is on the junction of two major roads and access into the traffic flow will possibly need highway improvements. It is possibly unwise to introduce even more traffic turns at this major junction and it will certainly add significantly to existing peak time delays. GT03 is sited on the junction of two main roads with high traffic flows and the Fosse Way in particular sees fast traffic despite the nearby speed camera and is a designated High Risk Route by the County Council. There have more than 12 Serious Accidents at this junction over the last 3 years.
* Avoiding areas where there is the potential for noise and disturbance
This site is adjacent the Fosse Way a very busy and noisy main road.
* Provision of utilities (running water, toilet facilities waste disposal etc);
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the
electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
GT03 is considered by British Telecom to be too far from the Whitnash Telephone Exchange to provide an adequate telephone or internet service (They term it as a long line). They will not upgrade the system resulting in poor telephone connections and intermittent (<1mbs) internet service.
GT03 does not have a reliable mobile phone service. There are no mobile phone networks that provide more than a mediocre service.
* Avoiding areas where there could be an adverse impact on important, features of the natural and historic environment;
This choice of site overlooks the fact that at this point the Fosse Way, as the original Roman road built nearly 2000 years ago is known, is on its original alignment and there is likely to be considerable archaeological remains in the area which will be destroyed by the development. There was also a tollhouse nearby in the 17th and 18th centuries and remains have been found. The site would be a blight on the vistas from the Grade 1 Listed building, Chesterton Windmill, which is maintained by Warwickshire County Council. The views from this famous, historic building would be of material consideration should a planning application ever be made.
* Sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is larger than Barnwell Farm and if the Enfusion (consultants) recommendation to include working space is adopted this would possibly increase to 1.5 times the area of the farm. There will be a large variety of caravans and vehicles on the site so, being in the bottom of the valley, it cannot integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area.
The site is also very visible from Chesterton Hilland would undoubtedly harm the character of the wider surrounding area.
* Promotes peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community;
In this respect the local community forms two distinct sections. There is a very small community of some 20 houses within half a mile of the site along the Fosse Way and the far greater community in the villages of Harbury and Whitnash over 1.5 miles away.
It will be difficult to integrate the residents into the local Fosse Way community as with up to 120 residents on site rather than integrate they will actually absorb the local community. This does not meet the criteria of a peaceful and integrated co-existence.
* Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services;
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
* Reflects the extent to which traditional lifestyles (whereby some travellers live and work from the same location thereby omitting many travel to work journeys) can contribute to sustainability.
Other issues which I consider should be taken into consideration
Local Business/Employment
There are many businesses that operate from GT03 site and the surrounding area and will potentially suffer if the proposed sites go ahead. For example:
1. Will Russell - Farm land being fully utilised for sheep
2. Bob Wright - land being used for arable farming
3. Fosse Garage
4. Rollason Fencing
5. Barnwell Chicken Farm
6. MH Polo Ltd - teaching people to ride ponies
7. Fosse Paddocks Ltd - farming and ponies
8. Warwick Reclamation
9. Mallory Court Hotel
10. Harbury Lane Breakers Yard
11. There are many others.
Archaeology and Heritage
GT 03 is located right next to the historic Fosse Way. The road now known as the Fosse Way was built following the Roman invasion in AD 43, nearly 2000 years ago, and has been a major highway throughout the centuries. There was a tollhouse on the junction of the Fosse Way and Southam Road in the 17th and 18th centuries. If GT 03 is approved it is important that a major archaeological dig should take place prior to site work so that the archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded.
Urbanisation
GT 03 will involve considerable infrastructure in addition to the actual site. Its proximity to the roundabout may require traffic control and road widening to provide a right turning lane for access. Further features could include bus shelters and a pedestrian crossing and more street lighting would be needed.
Agriculture
At present the proposed GT03 site is part of an area of good quality, extensively farmed land. Unauthorised intrusion from GT 03 into the agricultural land could result in contractors not wishing to risk tractors and equipment and this together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land ceasing to be farmed and becoming unsightly.
Rural Landscape
The area surrounding GT 03 is rural and agricultural in aspect and the proposed site will be a major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area. If the site is built, the council will be ill placed to prevent further 'ribbon' development.
Site GT04 - Land at Harbury Lane, Fosse Way
What is the nature of your representation? Object
* Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;
This site is in excess of 1.5miles from any GP surgery. The proposed site is outside of the catchment area of Harbury Surgery and the nearest surgery is the Warwick Gates Family Health Centre which approximately3 miles away which I understand is full so there is no convenient access to a surgery.
The position with regard to schooling is similar with GT03 being outside of the Harbury catchment area and Harbury Primary School has had recent issues with too many children already. There are several schools in Whitnash (over 2 miles away) with limited capacity.
The public transport whilst satisfactory is largely irrelevant as the residents are unlikely to use anything other than their own transport. There is a bus stop on the Harbury Lane however there is no pedestrian links from that to the potential site.
* Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding
The area is prone to flooding. Fields are often under water and livestock and ponies moved accordingly. The area is effectively a flood plain.
The Middle Road/ Fosse Way junction is often flooded
Harbury Lane is often flooded and impassable.
* Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;
The proposed 15 pitch site will contain up to 50 vehicles and generate hundreds of traffic movements daily. It is on the junction of two major roads and access into the traffic flow will possibly need highway improvements. It is possibly unwise to introduce even more traffic turns at this major junction and it will certainly add significantly to existing peak time delays. GT04 is sited on the junction of two main roads with high traffic flows and the Fosse Way in particular sees fast traffic despite the nearby speed camera and is a designated High Risk Route by the County Council. There have been more than 12 Serious Accidents at this junction over the last 3 years.
* Avoiding areas where there is the potential for noise and disturbance
This site is adjacent the Fosse Way a very busy and noisy main road.
In addition this is adjacent the Birmingham to London Chiltern railway line, causing both noise and a potential danger.
* Provision of utilities (running water, toilet facilities waste disposal etc);
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the
electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
GT04 is considered by British Telecom to be too far from the Whitnash Telephone Exchange to provide an adequate telephone or internet service (They term it as a long line). They will not upgrade the system resulting in poor telephone connections and intermittent (<1mbs) internet service.
GT04 does not have a reliable mobile phone service. There are no mobile phone networks that provide more than a mediocre service.
* Avoiding areas where there could be an adverse impact on important, features of the natural and historic environment;
This choice of site overlooks the fact that at this point the Fosse Way, as the original Roman road built nearly 2000 years ago is known, is on its original alignment and there is likely to be considerable archaeological remains in the area which will be destroyed by the development. There was also a tollhouse nearby in the 17th and 18th centuries and remains have been found. The site would be a blight on the vistas from the Grade 1 Listed building, Chesterton Windmill, which is maintained by Warwickshire County Council. The views from this famous, historic building would be of material consideration should a planning application ever be made.
* Sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is larger than the New Windmill Football Ground and if the Enfusion (consultants) recommendation to include working space is adopted this would possibly increase to twice the area of the football ground. There will be a large variety of caravans and vehicles on the site so, being in the bottom of the valley, it cannot integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area. The site is also very visible from Chesterton Hilland would undoubtedly harm the character of the wider surrounding area.
* Promotes peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community;
In this respect the local community forms two distinct sections. There is a very small community of some 20 houses within half a mile of the site along the Fosse Way and the far greater community in the villages of Harbury and Whitnash over 1.5 miles away.
It will be difficult to integrate the residents into the local Fosse Way community as with up to 120 residents on site rather than integrate they will actually absorb the local community. This does not meet the criteria of a peaceful and integrated co-existence.
* Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services;
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
* Reflects the extent to which traditional lifestyles (whereby some travellers live and work from the same location thereby omitting many travel to work journeys) can contribute to sustainability.
No comment
Other issues which I consider should be taken into consideration
Local Business/Employment
There are many businesses that operate from GT04 site and the surrounding area and will potentially suffer if the proposed sites go ahead. For example:
1. Will Russell - Farm land being fully utilised for sheep
2. Bob Wright - land being used for arable farming
3. Fosse Garage
4. Rollason Fencing
5. Barnwell Chicken Farm
6. MH Polo Ltd - teaching people to ride ponies
7. Fosse Paddocks Ltd - farming and ponies
8. Warwick Reclamation
9. Mallory Court Hotel
10. Harbury Lane Breakers Yard
11. There are many others.
Archaeology and Heritage
GT 04 is located right next to the historic Fosse Way. The road now known as the Fosse Way was built following the Roman invasion in AD 43, nearly 2000 years ago, and has been a major highway throughout the centuries. There was a tollhouse on the junction of the Fosse Way and Southam Road in the 17th and 18th centuries. If GT 04 is approved it is important that a major archaeological dig should take place prior to site work so that the archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded.
Urbanisation
GT 04 will involve considerable infrastructure in addition to the actual site. Its proximity to the roundabout may require traffic control and road widening to provide a right turning lane for access. Further features could include bus shelters and a pedestrian crossing and more street lighting would be needed.
Agriculture
At present the proposed GT04 site is part of an area of good quality, extensively farmed land. Unauthorised intrusion from GT 04 into the agricultural land could result in contractors not wishing to risk tractors and equipment and this together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land ceasing to be farmed and becoming unsightly.
Rural Landscape
The area surrounding GT 04 is rural and agricultural in aspect and the proposed site will be a major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area. If the site is built, the council will be ill placed to prevent further 'ribbon' development.
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58752
Received: 18/07/2013
Respondent: Mr Laurence Dufty
Local GP surgeries are either full or not served by public transport meaning no convenient access.
Radford Primary School is almost full and will be oversubscribed if the proposed new houses are built in the village. Harbury Primary School is also full.
The public transport is satisfactory but residents are likely to use their own transport. There is a bus stop on the B425 but no pedestrian links from it to the potential site.
Site will generate hundreds of traffic movements daily adding to peak time delays on a fast road that is designated a High Risk Route by the County Council. Being on the junction of two major roads the access may require highway improvements but it's unwise to introduce more traffic here. Also any new bus shelters, pedestrian crossing, street lighting etc will add to the urbanization of the area.
Fosse Way a very busy main road which creates the potential for noise and disturbance to site residents
Site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and only a limited rural electricity supply line so fails to meet the Council's site requirement criteria.
At this point the Fosse Way is on its original alignment so considerable archaeological remains will be destroyed as previous remains have been found locally. Therefore it's important that archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded prior to any site works.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is four times the size of the Exhibition Centre and could increase if working space is also included. The large number and variety of caravans and vehicles in the bottom of the valley cannot be integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area. Also the historic traditional Woodlands provide habitat for birds and small mammals (Pipistrelle bats, great crested newts) and would be greatly affected by the site and possible intrusion and activities of younger residents.
The village of Radford Semele over 1.5 miles away and there is a very small community in Fosse Way (20 houses) within half a mile of the site. The 120 residents on site will absorb rather than integrate with this small local community so will not encourage peaceful and integrated co-existence.
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and the electricity supply is a limited rural line which will possibly need upgrading to an increase in demand.
The perception of the site will impact on the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre which is likely to lose events and make it impossible to continue operating resulting in job losses. Local economy will lose the money spent on accommodation, food, entertainment etc from visitors to the Exhibition Centre (c£5m). Additionally several other local businesses (employing between 50 and 60 people) would be caused significant difficulties by this development.
Unauthorised expansion from the site onto agricultural land could mean contractors would not risk tractors and equipment and together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land becoming unsightly and unfarmed.
Fosse Alpaca and Kune Kune Pigs are located close to the site, and it is important to protect the animals from diseases (foot and mouth, bTB and Parro virus) which can be spread by human trespass and unvaccinated dogs. The animals graze on fields between the site and the Grand Union Canal.
The site will be major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area and make further 'ribbon' development harder to resist.
see attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58756
Received: 17/07/2013
Respondent: Mr Jon Bond
Local GP surgeries are either full or not served by public transport meaning no convenient access.
Radford Primary School is almost full and will be oversubscribed if the proposed new houses are built in the village. Harbury Primary School is also full.
The public transport is satisfactory but residents are likely to use their own transport. There is a bus stop on the B425 but no pedestrian links from it to the potential site.
Site will generate hundreds of traffic movements daily adding to peak time delays on a fast road that is designated a High Risk Route by the County Council. Being on the junction of two major roads the access may require highway improvements but it's unwise to introduce more traffic here. Also any new bus shelters, pedestrian crossing, street lighting etc will add to the urbanization of the area.
Fosse Way a very busy main road which creates the potential for noise and disturbance to site residents
Site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and only a limited rural electricity supply line so fails to meet the Council's site requirement criteria.
At this point the Fosse Way is on its original alignment so considerable archaeological remains will be destroyed as previous remains have been found locally. Therefore it's important that archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded prior to any site works.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is four times the size of the Exhibition Centre and could increase if working space is also included. The large number and variety of caravans and vehicles in the bottom of the valley cannot be integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area. Also the historic traditional Woodlands provide habitat for birds and small mammals (Pipistrelle bats, great crested newts) and would be greatly affected by the site and possible intrusion and activities of younger residents.
The village of Radford Semele over 1.5 miles away and there is a very small community in Fosse Way (20 houses) within half a mile of the site. The 120 residents on site will absorb rather than integrate with this small local community so will not encourage peaceful and integrated co-existence.
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and the electricity supply is a limited rural line which will possibly need upgrading to an increase in demand.
The perception of the site will impact on the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre which is likely to lose events and make it impossible to continue operating resulting in job losses. Local economy will lose the money spent on accommodation, food, entertainment etc from visitors to the Exhibition Centre (c£5m). Additionally several other local businesses (employing between 50 and 60 people) would be caused significant difficulties by this development.
Unauthorised expansion from the site onto agricultural land could mean contractors would not risk tractors and equipment and together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land becoming unsightly and unfarmed.
Fosse Alpaca and Kune Kune Pigs are located close to the site, and it is important to protect the animals from diseases (foot and mouth, bTB and Parro virus) which can be spread by human trespass and unvaccinated dogs. The animals graze on fields between the site and the Grand Union Canal.
The site will be major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area and make further 'ribbon' development harder to resist.
see attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58760
Received: 18/07/2013
Respondent: Mr Vincent Crossan
Local GP surgeries are either full or not served by public transport meaning no convenient access.
Radford Primary School is almost full and will be oversubscribed if the proposed new houses are built in the village. Harbury Primary School is also full.
The public transport is satisfactory but residents are likely to use their own transport. There is a bus stop on the B425 but no pedestrian links from it to the potential site.
Site will generate hundreds of traffic movements daily adding to peak time delays on a fast road that is designated a High Risk Route by the County Council. Being on the junction of two major roads the access may require highway improvements but it's unwise to introduce more traffic here. Also any new bus shelters, pedestrian crossing, street lighting etc will add to the urbanization of the area.
Fosse Way a very busy main road which creates the potential for noise and disturbance to site residents
Site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and only a limited rural electricity supply line so fails to meet the Council's site requirement criteria.
At this point the Fosse Way is on its original alignment so considerable archaeological remains will be destroyed as previous remains have been found locally. Therefore it's important that archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded prior to any site works.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is four times the size of the Exhibition Centre and could increase if working space is also included. The large number and variety of caravans and vehicles in the bottom of the valley cannot be integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area. Also the historic traditional Woodlands provide habitat for birds and small mammals (Pipistrelle bats, great crested newts) and would be greatly affected by the site and possible intrusion and activities of younger residents.
The village of Radford Semele over 1.5 miles away and there is a very small community in Fosse Way (20 houses) within half a mile of the site. The 120 residents on site will absorb rather than integrate with this small local community so will not encourage peaceful and integrated co-existence.
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and the electricity supply is a limited rural line which will possibly need upgrading to an increase in demand.
The perception of the site will impact on the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre which is likely to lose events and make it impossible to continue operating resulting in job losses. Local economy will lose the money spent on accommodation, food, entertainment etc from visitors to the Exhibition Centre (c£5m). Additionally several other local businesses (employing between 50 and 60 people) would be caused significant difficulties by this development.
Unauthorised expansion from the site onto agricultural land could mean contractors would not risk tractors and equipment and together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land becoming unsightly and unfarmed.
Fosse Alpaca and Kune Kune Pigs are located close to the site, and it is important to protect the animals from diseases (foot and mouth, bTB and Parro virus) which can be spread by human trespass and unvaccinated dogs. The animals graze on fields between the site and the Grand Union Canal.
The site will be major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area and make further 'ribbon' development harder to resist.
see attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58764
Received: 18/07/2013
Respondent: Mr Ken Robertson
Local GP surgeries are either full or not served by public transport meaning no convenient access.
Radford Primary School is almost full and will be oversubscribed if the proposed new houses are built in the village. Harbury Primary School is also full.
The public transport is satisfactory but residents are likely to use their own transport. There is a bus stop on the B425 but no pedestrian links from it to the potential site.
Site will generate hundreds of traffic movements daily adding to peak time delays on a fast road that is designated a High Risk Route by the County Council. Being on the junction of two major roads the access may require highway improvements but it's unwise to introduce more traffic here. Also any new bus shelters, pedestrian crossing, street lighting etc will add to the urbanization of the area.
Fosse Way a very busy main road which creates the potential for noise and disturbance to site residents
Site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and only a limited rural electricity supply line so fails to meet the Council's site requirement criteria.
At this point the Fosse Way is on its original alignment so considerable archaeological remains will be destroyed as previous remains have been found locally. Therefore it's important that archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded prior to any site works.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is four times the size of the Exhibition Centre and could increase if working space is also included. The large number and variety of caravans and vehicles in the bottom of the valley cannot be integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area. Also the historic traditional Woodlands provide habitat for birds and small mammals (Pipistrelle bats, great crested newts) and would be greatly affected by the site and possible intrusion and activities of younger residents.
The village of Radford Semele over 1.5 miles away and there is a very small community in Fosse Way (20 houses) within half a mile of the site. The 120 residents on site will absorb rather than integrate with this small local community so will not encourage peaceful and integrated co-existence.
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and the electricity supply is a limited rural line which will possibly need upgrading to an increase in demand.
The perception of the site will impact on the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre which is likely to lose events and make it impossible to continue operating resulting in job losses. Local economy will lose the money spent on accommodation, food, entertainment etc from visitors to the Exhibition Centre (c£5m). Additionally several other local businesses (employing between 50 and 60 people) would be caused significant difficulties by this development.
Unauthorised expansion from the site onto agricultural land could mean contractors would not risk tractors and equipment and together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land becoming unsightly and unfarmed.
Fosse Alpaca and Kune Kune Pigs are located close to the site, and it is important to protect the animals from diseases (foot and mouth, bTB and Parro virus) which can be spread by human trespass and unvaccinated dogs. The animals graze on fields between the site and the Grand Union Canal.
The site will be major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area and make further 'ribbon' development harder to resist.
In addition I would like to inform you that there is a significant error in the Enfusion report regarding GT04. I am not sure how much this will be used by the councillors when assessing the sites.
The distance from the closest point of GT04 to the doctor's surgery is OVER 1.5 miles and the school is further. This is a very important error as this significantly changes the classification given to 'Climate Change, adaptation - flood risk' and also to 'Local services & community facilities'. The latter is scored as 'Neutral' when I believe it should be 'Major Negative'.
Site GT02 - Land abutting the Fosse Way at its junction with the B425
What is the nature of your representation? Object
Please set out full details of your objection or representation of support with reference to the criteria above.
* Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;
This site is in excess of 1.5miles from any GP surgery. The proposed site is outside of the catchment area of Harbury Surgery and the nearest surgery is the Croft Medical Centre in Sydenham which is 3.3 miles away which I understand is full. The next surgery is the Cubbington Road Surgery which is 4.7 miles distant and is not served by direct public transport so there is no convenient access to a surgery.
The position with regard to schooling is similar with Radford Primary School being almost fully subscribed and if the additional hundred houses are built in the village it will be full. This is outside of the Harbury catchment area and Harbury Primary School has had recent issues with too many children already.
The public transport whilst satisfactory is largely irrelevant as the residents are unlikely to use anything other than their own transport. There is a bus stop on the B425 however there is no pedestrian links from that to the potential site.
* Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding
No comment
* Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;
The proposed 15 pitch site will contain up to 50 vehicles and generate hundreds of traffic movements daily. It is on the junction of two major roads and access into the traffic flow will possibly need highway improvements. It is possibly unwise to introduce even more traffic turns at this major junction and it will certainly add significantly to existing peak time delays. GT02 is sited on the junction of two main roads with high traffic flows and the Fosse Way in particular sees fast traffic despite the nearby speed camera and is a designated High Risk Route by the County Council.
* Avoiding areas where there is the potential for noise and disturbance
This site is adjacent the Fosse Way a very busy and noisy main road.
* Provision of utilities (running water, toilet facilities waste disposal etc);
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the
electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
* Avoiding areas where there could be an adverse impact on important, features of the natural and historic environment;
This choice of site overlooks the fact that at this point the Fosse Way, as the original Roman road built nearly 2000 years ago is known, is on its original alignment and there is likely to be considerable archaeological remains in the area which will be destroyed by the development. There was also a tollhouse at this point in the 17th and 18th centuries and remains have been found. Nearby there are traditional historic Woodlands which contain rare species so this criteria is not met.
* Sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is four times the size of the Exhibition Centre and if the Enfusion (consultants) recommendation to include working space is adopted this would possibly increase to 6 times the area of the Exhibition Centre. There will be a large variety of caravans and vehicles on the site so, being in the bottom of the valley, it cannot integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area.
* Promotes peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community;
In this respect the local community forms two distinct sections. There is a very small community of some 20 houses within half a mile of the site along the Fosse Way and the far greater community in the village of Radford Semele over 1.5 miles away. It will be difficult to integrate the residents into the local Fosse Way community as with up to 120 residents on site rather than integrate they will actually absorb the local community. This does not meet the criteria of a peaceful and integrated co-existence.
* Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services;
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
* Reflects the extent to which traditional lifestyles (whereby some travellers live and work from the same location thereby omitting many travel to work journeys) can contribute to sustainability.
No comment
Other issues which I consider should be taken into consideration
Local Business/Employment
There are several businesses located at GT 02 in addition to the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. They include salad producers, specialist storage, event management and publishing. Collectively they employ between 50 and 60 people and the site would cause significant difficulties for all.
Should this site be chosen, then due to the PERCEPTION of event organisers It is estimated that within two years the Exhibition Centre would lose sufficient events to make it impossible to continue operating and the company itself would cease to exist resulting in upwards of ten permanent job losses and a further 30 event staff losses.
Tourism and the wider economic situation
It is anticipated that the Exhibition Centre will contribute in the region of £5 million to the local economy in hotel accommodation, restaurants, entertainment, bus and taxi usage over the coming four years. Events attract visitors from a wide area and it is often the case that husbands/wives/partners will use the exhibition bus service to go shopping in Leamington Spa whilst spouses enjoy the exhibitions. This would all be lost if the Exhibition Centre were to close.
Archaeology and Heritage
GT 02 is located right next to the historic Fosse Way. The road now known as the Fosse Way was built following the Roman invasion in AD 43, nearly 2000 years ago, and has been a major highway throughout the centuries. There was a tollhouse on the junction of the Fosse Way and Southam Road in the 17th and 18th centuries. If GT 02 is approved it is important that a major archaeological dig should take place prior to site work so that the archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded.
Urbanisation
GT 02 will involve considerable infrastructure in addition to the actual site. Its proximity to the roundabout may require traffic control and road widening to provide a right turning lane for access. Further features could include bus shelters and a pedestrian crossing and more street lighting would be needed.
Agriculture
At present the proposed GT02 site is part of an area of some 50 acres of good quality, extensively farmed land. Unauthorised intrusion from GT 02 into the agricultural land could result in contractors not wishing to risk tractors and equipment and this together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land ceasing to be farmed and becoming unsightly.
Rural Landscape
The area surrounding GT 02 is rural and agricultural in aspect andthe proposed site will be a major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area. If the site is built, the council will be ill placed to prevent further 'ribbon' development.
Animal Welfare
Located close to GT 02 are Fosse Alpaca and Kune Kune Pigs, a business breeding these rare breed livestock. The Alpaca herd numbers 30 animals and the owners are extremely conscious of bio security and the need to protect the animals from diseases such as foot and mouth, bTB and Parro virus. These diseases can be spread by human trespass and unvaccinated dogs. The animals graze on fields between GT 02 and the Grand Union Canal.
Ecology and Habitat
GT 02 is close to two historic traditional Woodlands, which provide a habitat for birds and small mammals that would be greatly affected by the proposed site and the possible intrusion and activities of younger residents. It is known to be a habitat for Pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and also great crested newts (Triturus cristatus), amongst other species.
Site GT03 - Land at Barnwell Farm
What is the nature of your representation? Object
Please set out full details of your objection or representation of support with reference to the criteria above.
* Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;
This site is in excess of 1.5miles from any GP surgery. The proposed site is outside of the catchment area of Harbury Surgery and the nearest surgery is the Warwick Gates Family Health Centre which approximately3 miles away which I understand is full so there is no convenient access to a surgery.
The position with regard to schooling is similar with GT03 being outside of the Harbury catchment area and Harbury Primary School has had recent issues with too many children already. There are several schools in Whitnash (over 2 miles away) with limited capacity.
The public transport whilst satisfactory is largely irrelevant as the residents are unlikely to use anything other than their own transport. There is a bus stop on the Harbury Lane however there is no pedestrian links from that to the potential site.
* Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding
The area is prone to flooding. Fields are often under water and livestock and ponies moved accordingly. The area is effectively a flood plain.
Harbury Lane is often flooded and impassable.
* Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;
The proposed 15 pitch site will contain up to 50 vehicles and generate hundreds of traffic movements daily. It is on the junction of two major roads and access into the traffic flow will possibly need highway improvements. It is possibly unwise to introduce even more traffic turns at this major junction and it will certainly add significantly to existing peak time delays. GT03 is sited on the junction of two main roads with high traffic flows and the Fosse Way in particular sees fast traffic despite the nearby speed camera and is a designated High Risk Route by the County Council. There have more than 12 Serious Accidents at this junction over the last 3 years.
* Avoiding areas where there is the potential for noise and disturbance
This site is adjacent the Fosse Way a very busy and noisy main road.
* Provision of utilities (running water, toilet facilities waste disposal etc);
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the
electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
GT03 is considered by British Telecom to be too far from the Whitnash Telephone Exchange to provide an adequate telephone or internet service (They term it as a long line). They will not upgrade the system resulting in poor telephone connections and intermittent (<1mbs) internet service.
GT03 does not have a reliable mobile phone service. There are no mobile phone networks that provide more than a mediocre service.
* Avoiding areas where there could be an adverse impact on important, features of the natural and historic environment;
This choice of site overlooks the fact that at this point the Fosse Way, as the original Roman road built nearly 2000 years ago is known, is on its original alignment and there is likely to be considerable archaeological remains in the area which will be destroyed by the development. There was also a tollhouse nearby in the 17th and 18th centuries and remains have been found. The site would be a blight on the vistas from the Grade 1 Listed building, Chesterton Windmill, which is maintained by Warwickshire County Council. The views from this famous, historic building would be of material consideration should a planning application ever be made.
* Sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is larger than Barnwell Farm and if the Enfusion (consultants) recommendation to include working space is adopted this would possibly increase to 1.5 times the area of the farm. There will be a large variety of caravans and vehicles on the site so, being in the bottom of the valley, it cannot integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area.
The site is also very visible from Chesterton Hilland would undoubtedly harm the character of the wider surrounding area.
* Promotes peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community;
In this respect the local community forms two distinct sections. There is a very small community of some 20 houses within half a mile of the site along the Fosse Way and the far greater community in the villages of Harbury and Whitnash over 1.5 miles away.
It will be difficult to integrate the residents into the local Fosse Way community as with up to 120 residents on site rather than integrate they will actually absorb the local community. This does not meet the criteria of a peaceful and integrated co-existence.
* Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services;
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas so fails to meet the criteria. Also the electricity supply is a limited rural line and will possibly need to be upgraded to meet the very considerable increase in demand.
* Reflects the extent to which traditional lifestyles (whereby some travellers live and work from the same location thereby omitting many travel to work journeys) can contribute to sustainability.
Other issues which I consider should be taken into consideration
Local Business/Employment
There are many businesses that operate from GT04 site and the surrounding area and will potentially suffer if the proposed sites go ahead. For example:
1. Will Russell - Farm land being fully utilised for sheep
2. Bob Wright - land being used for arable farming
3. Fosse Garage
4. Rollason Fencing
5. Barnwell Chicken Farm
6. MH Polo Ltd - teaching people to ride ponies
7. Fosse Paddocks Ltd - farming and ponies
8. Warwick Reclamation
9. Mallory Court Hotel
10. Harbury Lane Breakers Yard
11. There are many others.
Archaeology and Heritage
GT 04 is located right next to the historic Fosse Way. The road now known as the Fosse Way was built following the Roman invasion in AD 43, nearly 2000 years ago, and has been a major highway throughout the centuries. There was a tollhouse on the junction of the Fosse Way and Southam Road in the 17th and 18th centuries. If GT 04 is approved it is important that a major archaeological dig should take place prior to site work so that the archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded.
Urbanisation
GT 04 will involve considerable infrastructure in addition to the actual site. Its proximity to the roundabout may require traffic control and road widening to provide a right turning lane for access. Further features could include bus shelters and a pedestrian crossing and more street lighting would be needed.
Agriculture
At present the proposed GT04 site is part of an area of good quality, extensively farmed land. Unauthorised intrusion from GT 04 into the agricultural land could result in contractors not wishing to risk tractors and equipment and this together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land ceasing to be farmed and becoming unsightly.
Rural Landscape
The area surrounding GT 04 is rural and agricultural in aspect and the proposed site will be a major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area. If the site is built, the council will be ill placed to prevent further 'ribbon' development.
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58769
Received: 18/07/2013
Respondent: Miles of Tiles Ltd
Local GP surgeries are either full or not served by public transport meaning no convenient access.
Radford Primary School is almost full and will be oversubscribed if the proposed new houses are built in the village. Harbury Primary School is also full.
The public transport is satisfactory but residents are likely to use their own transport. There is a bus stop on the B425 but no pedestrian links from it to the potential site.
Site will generate hundreds of traffic movements daily adding to peak time delays on a fast road that is designated a High Risk Route by the County Council. Being on the junction of two major roads the access may require highway improvements but it's unwise to introduce more traffic here. Also any new bus shelters, pedestrian crossing, street lighting etc will add to the urbanization of the area.
Fosse Way a very busy main road which creates the potential for noise and disturbance to site residents
Site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and only a limited rural electricity supply line so fails to meet the Council's site requirement criteria.
At this point the Fosse Way is on its original alignment so considerable archaeological remains will be destroyed as previous remains have been found locally. Therefore it's important that archaeology and heritage of the area can be recovered and safeguarded prior to any site works.
The proposed site will cover 0.8 hectare (8000 m²) which is four times the size of the Exhibition Centre and could increase if working space is also included. The large number and variety of caravans and vehicles in the bottom of the valley cannot be integrated into the landscape without harming the visual appearance and character of the area. Also the historic traditional Woodlands provide habitat for birds and small mammals (Pipistrelle bats, great crested newts) and would be greatly affected by the site and possible intrusion and activities of younger residents.
The village of Radford Semele over 1.5 miles away and there is a very small community in Fosse Way (20 houses) within half a mile of the site. The 120 residents on site will absorb rather than integrate with this small local community so will not encourage peaceful and integrated co-existence.
The proposed site has no mains sewerage, drainage or gas and the electricity supply is a limited rural line which will possibly need upgrading to an increase in demand.
The perception of the site will impact on the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre which is likely to lose events and make it impossible to continue operating resulting in job losses. Local economy will lose the money spent on accommodation, food, entertainment etc from visitors to the Exhibition Centre (c£5m). Additionally several other local businesses (employing between 50 and 60 people) would be caused significant difficulties by this development.
Unauthorised expansion from the site onto agricultural land could mean contractors would not risk tractors and equipment and together with crop damage and possible rubbish deposits could result in the land becoming unsightly and unfarmed.
Fosse Alpaca and Kune Kune Pigs are located close to the site, and it is important to protect the animals from diseases (foot and mouth, bTB and Parro virus) which can be spread by human trespass and unvaccinated dogs. The animals graze on fields between the site and the Grand Union Canal.
The site will be major invasion into the openness of the countryside and will be an irreversible urbanisation of the entire area and make further 'ribbon' development harder to resist.
see attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58804
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr John R Reeve
Prime farmland, tidy and rural.
Well kept and used temporarily by WEC.
Travellers site would be full time and can be seen from 3 of the 4 approach roads and could not be hidden is in the valley.
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58806
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr Mark Johnson
Remote from GP surgery.
Schools are either fully subscribed or will be once new housing developed.
Public transport satisfactory but irrelevant as residents will use own vehicles. Bus stop but no pedestrian links.
Additional traffic on existing busy, noisy road with dangerous junctions. Fosse Way is high risk route.
No mains sewerage, drainage or gas. Electricity supply needs upgrading.
Fosse Way is Roman road where there is likely to be archaeological remains which would be destroyed. Also site of tollhouse.
Woodlands contain rare species.
Site cannot be integrated into landscape being at the bottom of the valley and not easily screened.
Small local community would be absorbed by new residents resulting in lack of integration.
Impact on WEC and other businesses resulting in job losses.
Urbanisation.
Loss of quality farmland.
Major invasion into openness of countryside.
Result in ribbon development.
Risk to animal welfare.
Loss of wildlife habitat.
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58812
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Miss Heather Burtt
Remote from GP surgery.
Schools are either fully subscribed or will be once new housing developed.
Public transport satisfactory but irrelevant as residents will use own vehicles. Bus stop but no pedestrian links.
Additional traffic on existing busy, noisy road with dangerous junctions. Fosse Way is high risk route.
No mains sewerage, drainage or gas. Electricity supply needs upgrading.
Fosse Way is Roman road where there is likely to be archaeological remains which would be destroyed. Also site of tollhouse.
Woodlands contain rare species.
Site cannot be integrated into landscape being at the bottom of the valley and not easily screened.
Small local community would be absorbed by new residents resulting in lack of integration.
Impact on WEC and other businesses resulting in job losses.
Urbanisation.
Loss of quality farmland.
Major invasion into openness of countryside.
Result in ribbon development.
Risk to animal welfare.
Loss of wildlife habitat.
see-attached
Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58815
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mrs Saroj Rana
Remote from GP surgery.
Schools are either fully subscribed or will be once new housing developed.
Public transport satisfactory but irrelevant as residents will use own vehicles. Bus stop but no pedestrian links.
Additional traffic on existing busy, noisy road with dangerous junctions. Fosse Way is high risk route.
No mains sewerage, drainage or gas. Electricity supply needs upgrading.
Fosse Way is Roman road where there is likely to be archaeological remains which would be destroyed. Also site of tollhouse.
Woodlands contain rare species.
Site cannot be integrated into landscape being at the bottom of the valley and not easily screened.
Small local community would be absorbed by new residents resulting in lack of integration.
Impact on WEC and other businesses resulting in job losses.
Urbanisation.
Loss of quality farmland.
Major invasion into openness of countryside.
Result in ribbon development.
Risk to animal welfare.
Loss of wildlife habitat.
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Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58817
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr John Hall
Remote from GP surgery.
Schools are either fully subscribed or will be once new housing developed.
Public transport satisfactory but irrelevant as residents will use own vehicles. Bus stop but no pedestrian links.
Additional traffic on existing busy, noisy road with dangerous junctions. Fosse Way is high risk route.
No mains sewerage, drainage or gas. Electricity supply needs upgrading.
Fosse Way is Roman road where there is likely to be archaeological remains which would be destroyed. Also site of tollhouse.
Woodlands contain rare species.
Site cannot be integrated into landscape being at the bottom of the valley and not easily screened.
Small local community would be absorbed by new residents resulting in lack of integration.
Impact on WEC and other businesses resulting in job losses.
Urbanisation.
Loss of quality farmland.
Major invasion into openness of countryside.
Result in ribbon development.
Risk to animal welfare.
Loss of wildlife habitat.
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Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58820
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr James Farrell
Remote from GP surgery.
Schools are either fully subscribed or will be once new housing developed.
Public transport satisfactory but irrelevant as residents will use own vehicles. Bus stop but no pedestrian links.
Additional traffic on existing busy, noisy road with dangerous junctions. Fosse Way is high risk route.
No mains sewerage, drainage or gas. Electricity supply needs upgrading.
Fosse Way is Roman road where there is likely to be archaeological remains which would be destroyed. Also site of tollhouse.
Woodlands contain rare species.
Site cannot be integrated into landscape being at the bottom of the valley and not easily screened.
Small local community would be absorbed by new residents resulting in lack of integration.
Impact on WEC and other businesses resulting in job losses.
Urbanisation.
Loss of quality farmland.
Major invasion into openness of countryside.
Result in ribbon development.
Risk to animal welfare.
Loss of wildlife habitat.
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Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58826
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr David Taylor
Floods during heavy rain.
Dangerous road junction.
Loss of agricultural land.
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Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58827
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr Stuart Harrison
Remote from GP surgery which is full.
Schools are either fully subscribed or with few places.
Public transport satisfactory but irrelevant as residents will use own vehicles. Bus stop but no pedestrian links.
Prone to flooding.
Additional traffic on existing busy, noisy road with dangerous junctions. Fosse Way is high risk route.
No mains sewerage, drainage or gas. Electricity supply needs upgrading.
Fosse Way is Roman road where there is likely to be archaeological remains which would be destroyed. Also site of tollhouse.
Site cannot be integrated into landscape being at the bottom of the valley and not easily screened.
Small local community would be absorbed by new residents resulting in lack of integration.
Impact on WEC and local businesses with loss of jobs.
Urbanisation.
Loss of quality farmland.
Major invasion into openness of countryside.
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Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58830
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Mr P Holtom
Adverse effect on WEC and loss of jobs.
Fosse Way dangerous road and this would worsen situation.
Historic road that should not be altered in any way.
Additional pressure would be added to medial services and schools.
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Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58842
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: C L Deith
Proposed site will not meet criteria for choices.
GP surgery not as close as SA suggests and sugeries are at capacity. No direct bus service.
Similarly, schools are further away than stated and are near capacity and will be full when new development takes place.
Site close to road junction of two major roads resulting in high level of noise and pollution. Large number of vehicles with access and egress onto these roads could result in accidents. Unsafe for residents, expecially children. Further concern for children in close proximity to canal close by.
Ill served for services and facilities with no mains drainage or gas and limited rural electricity supply. Increased use of electricity supply would affect existing businesses and place undue pressure on infrastructure and services.
Site at foot of valley could not be integrated into landscape and would be a major intrusion into the openness of the countryside.
Would progress urbanisation with street lighting, pavements, bus shelter etc. into green field/agricultural land.
Land is high quality arable land producing food.
Integration into local community not possible with small local community inundated.
Would result in closure of WEC with undesirable effect on other local businesses. Such closure would be invitation to other GT to utilise car park and occupy site illegally.
Siting would not be in wider interest of towns having detrimental effect on tourism.
Creates ribbon development.
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Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58843
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Tee Publishing
Fails to meet criteria in many respects.
Concern for local businesses. In particular issue of security in view of large increase in population. Not in a position to increase staff numbers to safeguard premises. Loss of staff will lead to loss of important knowledge base. Would be impossible to continue warehouse operations.
Limited infrastructure and services with no mains sewers or gas. Electricity supply is rural supply serving few businesses and households. Increased demand will mean insufficient or intermittent supply causing further difficultiesand against the criteria requiring avoidance of undue pressure on infrastructure and services.
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Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58844
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Warwickshire Exhibition Centre
Loss of business at WEC.
Loss of employment.
Effect on other local businesses.
Perception of less secure site.
With lack of activity, GT site likely to spread giving greater problems for council.
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Object
Gypsy and Traveller Site Options
Representation ID: 58847
Received: 29/07/2013
Respondent: Meridienne Exhibitions Ltd
Perception of reduced security especially in car park.
Exhibitions likely to stop within two years.
Valley location would make the site highly visible.
Events contribute significantly to local economy.
SA report lacks detail and is inaccurate.
Residents will not have good access to GP surgery or schools.
Close to major crossroads with associated pollution and noise.
Clear potential for increase in accidents and traffic delays. High density of children on site would be unsafe and unhealthy.
Ill served in terms of services and facilities with no main sewerage or gas and a limited rural electricity supply. Undue pressure on facilities.
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