GT04 Land at Harbury Lane, Fosse Way

see attached

Please find listed below my objections to various potential sites for gypsies and travellers identified in the consultation document that accompanies the new Local Plan for Warwick District.

GT03 Land at Barnwell Farm, Harbury Lane - Considered to be unsuitable due to:

* Location next to Harbury Lane, which is already a busy local road with queuing at peak times. The junction with the Fosse Way is also an accident black spot.
* Location south of Harbury Lane sets a precedent for development south of the local road, which should be resisted in favour of sites north of the road.
* Proximity to Mallory Court, a Grade II listing on the English Heritage database of Registered Historic Parks and Gardens in England, and the adverse effect this site will have on its setting.

GT04 Land at Harbury Lane, Fosse Way - Considered to be unsuitable due to:

* Proximity to overhead power lines that cross the site with potential harmful effects on health.
* Location next to the Chiltern railway between Birmingham and London, which would not create a good first impression for visitors to Leamington as they pass by on embankment and overlook the site.
* Location next to the Chiltern railway line between Birmingham and London with issues of theft and vandalism that are likely to arise.
* Location next to Harbury Lane, which is already a busy local road with queuing at peak times. The junction with the Fosse Way is also an accident black spot.
* Proximity to Mallory Court, a Grade II listing on the English Heritage database of Registered Historic Parks and Gardens in England, and the adverse effect this site will have on its setting.

GT05 Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm - Considered to be unsuitable due to:

* Proximity to Bishops Tachbrook and likely conflicts that will arise with the local community.
* Obvious safety issues in creating a new access on to the Banbury Road, which is a particularly busy route close to the junction with the M40.
* Proximity to Banbury Road, an important route into Leamington and Warwick from the M40, which would not create a good first impression for visitors.

GT15 Land East of Europa Way - Considered to be unsuitable due to:

* Physical constraints arising from the small size and linear nature of the site, which greatly limits its use (parking, turning, servicing).
* Potential for flooding due to the low-lying nature of the site and its location next to a small stream that drains adjacent fishing ponds and which regularly foods in winter.
* Proximity to Europa Way, an important route into Leamington and Warwick from the M40, which would not create a good first impression for visitors.
* Obvious safety issues in creating a new access on to Europa Way, which is a particularly busy route.
* Proximity to potential residential development immediately to the northeast (south of Harbury Lane) and likely conflicts that will arise with future residents.
* Potential conflicts with future highways improvements along Europa Way, which will be necessary to accommodate proposed residential development south of Leamington and Warwick.

I trust you will take account of these objections when considering which sites to take forward into the new Local Plan.

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.

If you are commenting on multiple sites you will need to complete a separate sheet for each representation

Sheet 2 of 10

* 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 to 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. The proposed site is in a valley therefore it is physically impossible for it to blend into the surrounding landscape when viewed coming down the hills on three sides. In my view, the site would have an adverse impact on the environment
* 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 be 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. It would also put undue pressure on local doctor's surgery where it is unusual to be able to get a same day appointment as it stands
* 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
If you are commenting on multiple sites you will need to complete a separate sheet for each representation

Sheet 3 of 10
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 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.
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.
If you are commenting on multiple sites you will need to complete a separate sheet for each representation

Sheet 4 of 10

The policy in the Draft Local Plan will list the criteria by which Gypsy and Traveller sites will be judged for suitability and sustainability. These are the criteria:

- Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;

- Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding;

- Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;

- Avoiding areas where there is the potential for noise and other disturbance;

- Provision of utilities (running water, toilet facilities, waste disposal, etc);

- Avoiding areas where there could be adverse impact on important features of the natural and historic environment; and,

- Sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area.

- Promotes peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community;

- Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services;

- 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.

Please give your views about site suitability below with reference to this list of criteria.

Which site are you responding to?

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.
* 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.
* 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
If you are commenting on multiple sites you will need to complete a separate sheet for each representation
Sheet 6 of 10
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.

If you are commenting on multiple sites you will need to complete a separate sheet for each representation

Sheet 7 of 10

The policy in the Draft Local Plan will list the criteria by which Gypsy and Traveller sites will be judged for suitability and sustainability. These are the criteria:

- Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;

- Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding;

- Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;

- Avoiding areas where there is the potential for noise and other disturbance;

- Provision of utilities (running water, toilet facilities, waste disposal, etc);

- Avoiding areas where there could be adverse impact on important features of the natural and historic environment; and,

- Sites which can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area.

- Promotes peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community;

- Avoids placing undue pressure on local infrastructure and services;

- 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.

Please give your views about site suitability below with reference to this list of criteria.

Which site are you responding to?

Site GT04 - Land at Harbury Lane, Fosse Way

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.
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.
* 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.
* 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
If you are commenting on multiple sites you will need to complete a separate sheet for each representation

Sheet 9 of 10
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.

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Having read this document, I note that consideration is being given to two permanent Gypsy and Traveller sites (GT03 and GT04) at Harbury Lane. This email refers to the reasons why I am objecting to consideration of these sites.
Before I begin my formal objection, I should point out that I believe that it is everyone's inalienable right to live somewhere, regardless of the lifestyle which they chose to follow. However, such rights must be balanced against the rights of those who are already living in an area. My objection therefore is based on this premise
Background
I have lived in Harbury for over 30 years and during that time a small amount of additional housing has been built for local users. Prior to consideration of any new building, a huge amount of detailed information was gathered which revolved around village demographics, the effects of additional numbers on health facilities, education facilities, transport, congestion, parking, recreational amenities etc.
I note that the WDC has not sought to ask Harbury village residents the same questions before it placed GT03 and GT04 on its list of potential permanent settlements located near Harbury village. I would have thought that such research would be essential BEFORE any consideration is given to any site which would result in increased use of those facilities.

My Objections:
1) Both GT03 and GT04 are located next to a busy commuter route (Harbury Lane and Fosse Way). It is also a known high risk accident spot and because of this, public transport would not be able to stop near the sites. There is no separate provision for pedestrians or cyclists on either Harbury Lane, Fosse Way or Middle Road. Thus, at neither site is there any safe way for children to get to Harbury School without vehicular assistance. This would mean that the site would exacerbate parking and obstruction problems at the school, which have only recently been overcome by ensuring village parents walk their children to school. Increased vehicular traffic would also increase the risk to those very children. It should also be pointed out that driving young children to school has also been blamed for the rising obesity levels, and I feel sure WDC would not endorse any plan that made driving the only method to get children to school.(See: Safe routes to school- an American document which nevertheless holds true for the UK http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/resourcecenter/quick-facts )

2) Even if (1) could be overcome at reasonable cost, the current village school is already oversubscribed and is likely to remain so given the current village demographic.

3) The village surgery is also running at capacity and has, as far as I have been able to ascertain, not been consulted by WDC to see if it could take additional patients.

4) As far as I can tell, sites GT03 and GT04 have no running water, mains sewerage, drainage or mains gas supply. Whilst the later can be overcome with the use of Butane gas cylinders, the former are essential for public health and the prevention of pollution of local water courses. Such pollution is likely to damage local wildlife, grazing livestock and be a health hazard.

5) I note that your document mentions that sites should not have a high risk of flooding. The sites mentioned DO have a risk of flooding given that they are affected by water run off from Harbury.

I believe that the incorporation of sites GT03 and GT04 was done with little research of their impact on the local community, the local wildlife and habitat. I also note that the majority of sites for discussion are located right on the edges of the WDC area with none located in the centres of main population of Leamington Spa, Warwick and Kenilworth. I am not sure why this is.

Please accept this email as a formal objection. I have included my personal information which is not to be released publicly without my express permission.

As the subject of this email clearly states and i quote this from the English Oxford dictionary: "traveller - a person who changes location". Not only will these so called 'travellers' pollute the pleasant atmosphere around the surrounding villages, but they will also cause no end of mischief and grief which has happened before and caused great trouble with my family. These 'people' will prove no benefit to Harbury or any of its surrounding villages which is one of the many reasons why so many object to them planting themselves here.
How will it look when new people to he area drive past one of these gypo camps and see groups of them in there troublesome communities posing a threat to everyone and very thing they come across!
I strongly hope you make the right decision and take each and every objection letter into serious consideration!

Dear Sir/Madam,

We would like to, respectfully, raise the following points in objection to the proposed Gypsy and Traveller sites GT02, GT03 and GT04 planned to be situated near the village of Harbury.

1. An increase in population from developments of this size would put undue strain on the medical facilities in the region. Is provision to be made for additional surgeries and/or hospital facilities?

1. With population comes traffic, we believe the junction of Fosse Way and Harbury Lane would become even more dangerous than at present. Those in Harbury have long lobbied for this junction to be 'made safe' with a roundabout or traffic lights so adding more traffic without this investment causes concern about potential injuries and maybe even death.

1. Children who move to these developments will require education. The village school in Harbury is not large, what provision and/or investment is to be made to accommodate additional headcount?

1. Adults will require employment. The Midlands has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country so do sufficient opportunities exist locally, or within reasonable commuting distance, for those moving into the area?

1. Emergency services in the region are facing cut backs. Have they committed to covering additional properties without services to the whole region being impacted?

1. At present, here in Harbury, we sometimes find a decrease in, or even loss of, mains water pressure. An increase in population would no doubt result in even more instances of loss of mains water. This would not be acceptable.

1. Due to the basic functions of human beings are current sewage facilities adequate or do facilities in the area need to be improved?

1. The proposed sites appear to be on prime agricultural land and would suggest that the District Council is not interested in the local economy or the governments directive to develop 'brown field' sites.

1. Harbury Lane and the B4100 already flood during heavy rain. This risk will increase as fields which act as a soak away will be replaced by hard surfaces.

1. Where improvements to local infrastructure are required will these be funded by the public purse or developers?

These objections would exist regardless of the nature of the development as they are based on the size of the sites and the assumed numbers of individuals who would live there.

We would hope that the above are taken into consideration when making any decision about the change of use of these sites.

GT01 Land adjacent to the Colbalt Centre:
Due to existing development, access would likely have to be taken from an existing private access
road. Without confirmation as to whether this would be permitted, the Highway Authority cannot
recommend a good place to gain access to the site from the existing Public Highway.
GT02 Land at Warwickshire Exhibition Centre:
If access were to be taken from the Fosse Way a new access would need to be created a minimum
215m from the existing roundabout. Visibility from the access would also need to be 2.4m x 215m in
both directions. It is considered that an access to meet these requirements could potentially be
achieved. If access were to be taken from the A425, a new access would need to be created a
minimum 160m from the existing roundabout. Visibility from the access would need to be 2.4m x
160m in both directions. Although potentially achievable the removal of a significant amount of
vegetation/hedgerow may be required.
GT03 Land at Barnwell Farm:
The Highway Authority would not recommend access taken directly off the Fosse Way in this
location. If access is taken from Harbury Lane, it should be at least 160m from the existing crossroad
junction with visibility splays of 2.4m x 160m in both directions. You should look to avoid position a
new access opposite an existing access. The existing access to Barnwell Farm is considered to be a
good location however; cutting back/removal of hedgerow is likely to be required in order to achieve
the required level of visibility.
GT04 Land at Harbury Lane:
The Highway Authority would not recommend access taken directly off the Fosse Way in this
location. If access is taken from Harbury Lane, it should be at least 160m from the existing crossroad
junction with visibility splays of 2.4m x 160m in both directions. You should look to avoid position a
new access opposite an existing access.
GT05 Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm, Banbury Road:
Access taken from the A452 would require visibility splays of 2.4m x 160m. Use of the existing
Tachbrook Hill Farm access would not be recommended as it is sited opposite an existing junction
and it would not be recommended to locate the access any closer towards the Motorway junction. If
access were to be created northwest of the existing Tachbrook Hill Farm access it should be done so
in advance of the existing traffic calming features. Access from Mallory Road would not be
recommended. It should also be noted that there may be issues regarding forward visibility due the
existing vertical alignment of the road. Forward visibility to match visibility from the access would be
required at all sites (160m in this instance).
GT06 Land at Park Farm:
Access created from the A425 would need to have visibility of 2.4m x 215m in both directions. The
existing access to Park Farm is likely to meet this standard. If a new access is to be created it is
unlikely that an access could be created any closer to the existing roundabout without the
requirement for removal of hedgerow/trees. Any access created North West of the Park Farm access
must adhere to the required visibility standards. The access should not be created in proximity of the
existing layby on the A425.
GT07 Land at Smiths Nurseries Stoneleigh Road:
Access from the Stoneleigh Road is unlikely to be achievable due to visibility restrictions unless taken
from Smiths Nurseries. Even then it would have to be demonstrated that the proposed site was
unlikely to generate significantly more vehicle movements than the existing development (and that
it has not caused a Highway safety/operation issue). From Coventry Road (within 30mph limit) it may
be difficult to achieve access due to proliferation of existing accesses. Splays of 2.4m x 70m would be
required in both directions.
GT08 Depot to west side of Cubbington Hill Farm:
Leicester Lane is subject to a speed limit of XX. An access with visibility splays of 2.4m x xxxm would
therefore be required with equal corresponding forward visibility. It is considered that this should be
achievable at this site.
GT09 Land to North East of M40:
The A452 is subject to a speed limit of XX. The Highway Authority considers that achieving an access
to standard from the A452 would be difficult due to road alignment. Creation of an access onto the
Warwick By-Pass would not be supported.
GT10 Land at Tollgate House & Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre:
Gaining access from the B4100 is considered to be difficult due to existing accesses/lay-bys which
makes it difficult to find a suitable location for creation of a new access. Access from Oakley Wood
road is considered unsuitable and an access with required visibility standards unlikely to be
achievable.
GT11: Land at Budbrooke Lodge Racecourse and Hampton Road:
Land west of Warwick Racecourse - Access from the point of the existing access for Budbrooke
Lodge should be feasible. You would need to ensure that visibility splays of 2.4m x 160m can be
provided in both directions due to the access emerging onto a 50mph section of Highway. There
already appears to be a reasonable pedestrian connection to this point too.
GT12: Land at Westham House, Westham Lane
The by-pass onto which the proposed site off which Westham Lane adjoins, is subject to a
derestricted speed limit. Accordingly visibility splays of 215m in both directions must be provided.
This should be achievable. Westham Lane also narrows after a certain length and accordingly,
depending on access location and size of site proposed this may require widening. In addition if this
site was of interest, the Highway Authority would seek further comment from our transport
operations team to determine whether there was any capacity reason as to why a site could not be
served off the bypass.
GT13: Kites Nest Lane:
Kites Nest Lane and Brownley Green Lane are subject to a derestricted speed limit and although it is
acknowledged that vehicles are unlikely to be travelling at 60mph on either of these roads, a speed
survey would be required to establish the level of visibility required and this would ultimately
determine whether an access was feasible or not. In addition both roads are narrow and, depending
on the size of the site, some level of localised widening may be required.
GT14: Warwick Road, Norton Lindsey:
Warwick Road is subject to a derestricted speed limit and visibility from the existing access does not
meet standards of 2.4m x 215m. If it can however be demonstrated that vehicle movements from
the proposed development will not exceed that which could be generated by the existing permitted
development (and that the existing access has not caused a highway safety issues), use of the
existing access may be acceptable.
GT15: Land to east of Europa Way:
This section of the A452 is subject to a speed limit of 50mph and accordingly, splays and forward
visibility of 160m must be provided. It is considered that, with removal of vegetation, this should be
achievable at some point along the boundary line shown.
GT16 Land West of A429 Barford:
The by-pass onto which the proposed site off which Westham Lane adjoins, is subject to a
derestricted speed limit. Accordingly visibility splays of 215m in both directions must be provided.
This should be achievable. Westham Lane also narrows after a certain length and accordingly,
depending on access location and size of site proposed this may require widening. In addition if this
site was of interest, the Highway Authority would seek further comment from our transport
operations team to determine whether there was any capacity reason as to why a site could not be
served off the bypass.
If access directly from the bypass is proposed this would be subject to splays of 2.4m x 215m being
achieved and an access road being constructed to meet highway standards (subject to no objections
being raised from Warwickshire transport operation team about the creation of a new access onto
the bypass).
GT17: Service area West of A46:
The A46 is under the jurisdiction of the Highways Agency and not the Local Highway Authority.
Accoringly, Warwickshire County Council would have no comment to pass other than recommending
that further comment be sought from the Highway's Agency.
GT18: Service area East of A46:
The A46 is under the jurisdiction of the Highways Agency and not the Local Highway Authority.
Accoringly, Warwickshire County Council would have no comment to pass other than recommending
that further comment be sought from the Highway's Agency.
GT19: Land off Birmingham Road, Budbrooke (Oaklands Farm):
The access would be taken from a section of highway subject to a 40mph speed limit. Accordingly,
splays of 2.4m x 120m should be achieved and 120m forward visibility be achieved on both
approaches. The Highway Authority considers that this visibility is likely to be achievable at some
point along the proposed site boundary.
GT20 Land at Junction 15 of M40:
The B4463 is subject to a derestricted speed limit and accordingly, visibility of 2.4m x 215m must be
provided unless a speed survey can demonstrate actual speeds are less than this. The Highway
Authority considers that it is unlikely that visibility for a new access can be achieved without a speed
survey being undertaken. Access should not be taken closer than 215m from the roundabout
junction.
Disclaimer
Please note that the site assessments have been made following desktop studies only using various
software packages. It is likely that all comments accurately reflect the requirements of each site
however, in some circumstances the speed limit may have changed. For reference please note the
following basic visibility requirements set against posted speed limits:
Derestricted/60mph - 2.4m x 215m, Forward visibility of 215m.
50mph - 2.4m x 160m, Forward visibility of 160m
40mph - 2.4m x 120m, Forward visibility of 120m
30mph - 2.4m x 90m*, Forward visibility of 90m*
*absolute maximum - splays of 70m & 43m could also be applied depending on site location.

I wish to object the proposed site GT02 Fosse Way/B425, GT03 and GT04 Land at Barnwell Farm for Gypsies and Travellers.

My comments and concerns are as follows:

1. Access to Local Amenities
- The nearest doctors surgery appears to be Harbury which currently struggles to support the village itself, it certainly does not have capacity for an influx of new patients.
- Likewise with the nearest primary, junior and secondary schools these are also at full capacity.

2. Travel
- The proposed site is on a high risk travel route with more that 12 serious accidents in the last 3 years and is especially dangerous where the Fosse Way meets the Harbury Lane crossroads.
- There are no bus stops available on the Fosse way and because of the volume of traffic providing one would be unsafe for other road users.
- The Fosse way is already a very busy and dangerous road, especially from the increased Jaguar/Land Rover traffic.
- More importantly there are no paths or pavements to walk anywhere and cycling on the Fosse would be very dangerous when the road is already used as a busy commuter route.
- And children cannot be allowed to stand on a busy road to wait for school transport.

3. Rural Environment
- The proposed site has no mains gas, mains sewerage or drainage.
- It is a flood risk area, often flooding at the end of Middle Road, Harbury Lane fields.

Dummy

My wife and I have lived in Harbury for 14 years what a lovely village and area.

I object to a travellers/gypsy site anywhere near Harbury !!

Important Points to note:

1. Please tell what do Gypsys give back to the local community ?

2. I have seen what Gypsys can do i.e illegal incampments on the way to Coventry (Ryton) !

3. The mess that was left on playing fields Harbury Lane when they camped illegally on a number of occasions !

4. On the news villagers up in arms for months on end trying to remove them, surely there must be a reason for that or am i missing a point here ?

5. This it not at all racist just facts that have happened !!

NO TO ANY SITE NEAR HARBURY

On behalf of Mallory Court Hotel, I strongly object to the proposed allocation of land at Harbury Lane site identified as GT03 land at Barnwell Farm, GT04 Land at Harbury Lane and GT05 Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm.

None of these proposed locations are sustainable or meet the criteria you have set out for a suitable gypsy and traveller location.

Mallory Court Hotel is the finest hotel in Warwickshire and the only one with a Michelin Star restaurant, which it has sustained for 14 years it is a significant asset in the area and has a wide range of local national and international visitors.

It brings substantial economic benefit to the local economy.

The hotel will suffer reputational damage if a gypsy and traveller site is allocated in the neighbourhood.

The hotel has recently been granted planning permission to build a Spa and additional bedrooms.

A gypsy and traveller site nearby is a threat to the hotel's reputation and the viability of further investment. Whilst this threat remains that investment will not take place, and over £10 million be lost to the local economy in the construction of the spa and the potential economic benefits that will bring to the area when it is in use and trading.

Your Local Plan preferred options document published in May 2012 sets out criteria for allocating a gypsy and traveller site.

You state that you have regard that a site can be integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area, none of the sites I am commenting upon can be integrated into the area without harm and that harm includes the reputation of Mallory Court Hotel.

These sites will all have a visual impact upon the character and amenity of the local area.

The three sites referenced above are all located on a highway network that is unsafe for the type of use proposed, the Fosse way is particularly busy and has an increased traffic demand particularly with the success of Jaguar Landrover at Gaydon, there is no footpath or cycleways, to access these sites safely other than by motor vehicle, the roads are dangerous and could not be used safely by young children.

The nearest doctor's surgery has no capacity for the number of new patients that would arrive if these sites were allocated, the local schools are already at capacity and allocating these sites will put increased pressure on already scarce resources.

The sites appear to be located where there is no mains utility services - gas, sewerage or drainage which will need to be provided at a significant cost to this provision.

These sites are currently used for livestock and arable farming creating a gypsy and traveller site potentially could lead to further development and growth of facilities potentially alternative uses proposed leading to deterioration of the rural environment over time.

Dear Sirs

GYPSY SITE CONSULTATION ON BEHALF OF HARBURY SOCIETY

We object to the inclusion of the Sites GT03 Barnwell Farm and GT04 Land at Harbury Lane Fosse Way for the reasons listed below. The responses are the same for both of these areas of search, but to comply with your rules we include both separately.

Site GT03 - Barnwell Farm OBJECT

YOUR CATEGORY:-
Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;

We know that in the last few years Harbury School and Surgery have been under severe pressure.

YOUR CATEGORY:-
Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding. This area floods badly. Harbury Lane has at times been impassable. The land is often under water for several days after periods of heavy rain and not just in exceptional weather. It is within the Environment Agency's Flood Zone. The Agency must be consulted about this risk and how this risk would be increased by development.

Any "hard" landscaping or development of roads, buildings, etc necessary for a Travellers' Site would serve to increase run-off.

YOUR CATEGORY:-
Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;

The Bendigo Mitchell Crossroads are an acknowledged accident blackspot particularly for turning traffic. This problem is exacerbated by the numbers of workers travelling to and from Jaguar/Landrover at peak periods. The congestion causes long tail-backs for vehicles trying to cross or access the Fosse. The Peak Period starts about 7.15am and continues until 9.30am and again between 3pm and 6pm. At all times it is very difficult for even private cars to get across the junction and much worse at peak periods. Long vehicles and trailers turning here would present a very real danger at any time.

The District Council must take into account the County's traffic figures and accident statistics relating to this junction and the effect or otherwise of the County's past attempts to make the crossroads safer.

There must be a properly conducted traffic survey and safety audit of this junction in its present form and a full traffic study of sites GT03 and GT04 to demonstrate the effects of the vehicle movements generated from these sites on the background traffic, taking into account future traffic growth on the high speed route - The Fosse, and the designated Lorry Route - Harbury Lane.

Should either site GT03 or GT04 be considered for a Travellers' site then we believe that extensive remodeling of the junction to provide a roundabout would be necessary

YOUR CATEGORY:-
Avoiding areas where there could be an adverse impact on important, features of the natural and historic environment;

Development of either Site GT03 and/or Site GT04 would have an adverse impact on the views from Chesterton Windmill - an historic feature in the Warwickshire Landscape as lauded and acknowledged by the Europa Nostra Award given for its restoration.

Chesterton Windmill is a building of local, national and international importance and its setting should not be challenged or damaged by development.

It is an important tourist attraction much loved and photographed (see Google Images!).

But the windmill is only part of the historic landscape that could be compromised by development. Research by David Adams on the Roman occupation of the Chesterton Valley has shown that settlement extended beyond the present village of Chesterton, over Windmill Hill and beyond the Camp on the Fosse.

There are thought to be Roman and possibly earlier remains on the western side of the Fosse and these would need to be investigated and excavated properly before any further development were sanctioned.

Site GT04 - Land at Harbury Lane, Fosse Way OBJECT

YOUR CATEGORY:-
Convenient access to a GP surgery, school and public transport;

We know that in the last few years Harbury School and Surgery have been under severe pressure.

YOUR CATEGORY:-
Avoiding areas with a high risk of flooding. This area floods badly. Harbury Lane has at times been impassable. The land is often under water for several days after periods of heavy rain and not just in exceptional weather. It is within the Environment Agency's Flood Zone

The Agency must be consulted about this risk and how this risk would be increased by development.

Any "hard" landscaping or development of roads, buildings, etc necessary for a Travellers' Site would serve to increase run-off.

YOUR CATEGORY:-
Safe access to the road network and provision for parking, turning and servicing on site;

The Bendigo Mitchell Crossroads are an acknowledged accident blackspot particularly for turning traffic.

This problem is exacerbated by the numbers of workers travelling to and from Jaguar/Landrover at peak periods. The congestion causes long tail-backs for vehicles trying to cross or access the Fosse.

The Peak Period starts about 7.15am and continues until 9.30am and again between 3pm and 6pm.

At all times it is very difficult for even private cars to get across the junction and much worse at peak periods. Long vehicles and trailers turning here would present a very real danger at any time.

The District Council must take into account the County's traffic figures and accident statistics relating to this junction and the effect or otherwise of the County's past attempts to make the crossroads safer.

There must be a properly conducted traffic survey and safety audit of this junction in its present form and a full traffic study of sites GT03 and GT04 to demonstrate the effects of the vehicle movements generated from these sites on the background traffic, taking into account future traffic growth on the high speed route - The Fosse, and the designated Lorry Route - Harbury Lane.

Should either site GT03 or GT04 be considered for a Travellers' site then we believe that extensive remodeling of the junction to provide a roundabout would be necessary

YOUR CATEGORY:-
Avoiding areas where there could be an adverse impact on important, features of the natural and historic environment;

Development of either Site GT03 and/or Site GT04 would have an adverse impact on the views from Chesterton Windmill - an historic feature in the Warwickshire Landscape as lauded and acknowledged by the Europa Nostra Award given for its restoration.

Chesterton Windmill is a building of local, national and international importance and its setting should not be challenged or damaged by development.

It is an important tourist attraction much loved and photographed (see Google Images!).

But the windmill is only part of the historic landscape that could be compromised by development. Research by David Adams on the Roman occupation of the Chesterton Valley has shown that settlement extended beyond the present village of Chesterton, over Windmill Hill and beyond the Camp on the Fosse.

There are thought to be Roman and possibly earlier remains on the western side of the Fosse and these would need to be investigated and excavated properly before any further development were sanctioned.

OUR CATEGORY
Intimidating and restricting nature of online response format. We found your online response format intimidating, unnecessarily restrictive and liable to cause the exclusion of many potential respondents. We would urge you to make any future consultations more user-friendly and accessible.

I wish to record my objections to the above proposed sites near Harbury. I consider both these proposed sites to be inappropriate because of the following;-

1. Local Amenities.

These are already at full capacity levels and certainly primary, junior and secondary schools would be unable to accommodate extra numbers.

The same could be said of doctors surgeries.

2. Travel Problems.

Both sites are on a High Risk travel route with more than 10 serious accidents in the last three years. The roads around these sites are extremely busy, especially The Fosse Way with the prospect of even busier traffic Jaguar/Landrover at Gaydon. There are few, if any, bus stops and providing these would be an added danger for road users. With no paths nor pavements it would be dangerous to walk anywhere, and cycling would be equally hazardous. Children would be in real danger.

3. Environmental matters.

The proposed sites will have a devastating effect on mains sewerage and drainage in local villages who are experiencing problems already. The cost of providing and maintaining additional capacities to meet increased usage would be colossal. Both proposed sites are in a flood risk area and are regularly flooded in winter times. This would, not only, be very inconvenient but could lead to expensive legal claims.

To summarise, I think it would be unwise and extremely costly to choose either of the sites and for the reasons listed I trust these sites will be rejected.

see attached

I am objecting to the gypsy sites surrounding the bishops tachbrook area.
Site 3. Very remote from major amenities
Site 4 very remote from major amenities
Site 5. Access onto a very busy road, no pedestrian access. Potential visual impact on the approach to historic Warwick, putting off tourists.
Site 6. Very remote from main centres and no pedestrian access.
Site 9. Access onto a very busy main road, no pedestrian access. Potential visual impact to approach to historic Warwick, putting off tourists.
Site 10. Close to guide dogs for the blind national breeding centre.
Site 15. Site located on the banks of the tachbrook, so possible contamination if site used for business.
General considerations.
Remoteness. Are the sites identified in bishops tachbrook parish are too remote from the major centres to be suitable for this type of development.
Access. All sites are on very major roads with no pedestrian access.
Undue pressure on infrastructure and services. The school in bishops tachbrook is a single form entry. Even small gypsy sites could have many children that the school wouldn't be able to cope with. Are children that are local to the area with ties to the community such as mine who attends the preschool and the church, to be pushed out for gypsy site children that have no such ties to the community? this seems extremely unfair and totally wrong.
Yours sincerely
Suzy mcnamara
34 touchstone road
Warwick gates
Warwick
Cv34 6ee
Sent from my iPad

I am objecting to the gypsy sites surrounding the bishops tachbrook area.

Site 3. Very remote from major amenities
Site 4 Very remote from major amenities
Site 5. Access onto a very busy road, no pedestrian access. Potential visual impact on the approach to historic Warwick, putting off tourists.
Site 6. Very remote from main centres and no pedestrian access.
Site 9. Access onto a very busy main road, no pedestrian access. Potential visual impact to approach to historic Warwick, putting off tourists.
Site 10. Close to guide dogs for the blind national breeding centre.
Site 15. Site located on the banks of the tachbrook, so possible contamination if site used for business.

General considerations.

Remoteness. Are the sites identified in bishops tachbrook parish are too remote from the major centres to be suitable for this type of development.
Access. All sites are on very major roads with no pedestrian access.
Undue pressure on infrastructure and services. The school in bishops tachbrook is a single form entry. Even small gypsy sites could have many children that the school wouldn't be able to cope with. Are children that are local to the area with ties to the community such as mine who attends the preschool and the church, to be pushed out for gypsy site children that have no such ties to the community? this seems extremely unfair and totally wrong.

I am not a resident of Warwick District, however two of the sites (GT03 and GT04) under consideration that I wish to comment on are very familiar to me and are situated on the boundary with Stratford Upon Avon District Council.

In view of the nature of sites for gypsys and travellers and the area of interest under consideration I contend that a joint approach should be undertaken by the two council's to achieve satisfactory allocations.

Looking at site GT04 I contend that the location fails the test of being near to an existing settlement with access to local services, doctor, shops schools etc. There is no indication at this stage of assessment of capacity or consideration of the services and facilities offered.

My primary concern relates to traffic and safety, particularly on the Fosse Way B4455. The Highway Authority have signs erected warning that it is a high accident risk route. Any new vehicular access to the highway between Middle Road and Harbury Lane would be detrimental to road safety unless extensive highway works were undertaken to safely accommodate turning vehicles. Furthermore there are no footways alongside the B4455, Harbury Lane or Middle Road; if the proposed site is to accommodate families then it would be essential for suitable footways to be provided to enable young persons in particular to access the nearest 'facilities' in safety.

I note that Your own Consultants Final Interim Sustainability Appraisal Report on the gypsy and traveller sites draws attention to the fact that at this stage very little is known about traffic and transport and how allocations will affect these. It is a major and vital aspect requiring careful consideration.

I am writing to let you know that I am not happy with the proposal or the location for the proposed Gypsy and Traveller site.

The basis for my objection is as follows:-

* The local amenities in the area are already over stretched with the local school already full to capacity.
* Appointments needed at the Surgery result in a 1 to 2 week delay and often means travelling to Bishops Itchington. This is difficult for those without transport.
* The road are suffering already with poor maintenance with pothole left un-repaired for months on end. You only need look at Constance drive as the junction has laid un-repaired for several months and is a danger to cyclists.
* The locations indicated on the map appears to not consider the high levels of traffic that have already resulted in injury and fatalities in a relativity short period of time.
* I may be wrong but a site was established a short distance away on the Prince Thorpe to Coventry road. To date this has still not been fully utilised.
* There is also a site on the road to Stow that remains less than half filled.
* Last year and several years before, we experienced sever flooding in this proposed area that resulted in the main road being closed for a long period of time and this area was under water.
* Harbury has already taken more than their fair share of new housing putting excessive loads on the sewer, water and power systems. We are already experiencing lower water pressure even though we were told at the time of the new dwelling development at Bush Heath lane that there would no effects on us. The sewers I understand has already had to be modified.

Before we start tearing up farm land, all other sites should be fully utilised. I am a tax payer and do not feel that this plan has been thought through very well. If we have spare cash for poorly thought out schemes like this this, spare cash should first be used to provide the services we have already been charged for within our rates and the employment tax we pay as PAYE.
Last year we experienced floods and this area was under water. You my think that it was a one of, but this has been happening quite regular. Poor location of site could result in the cost of re-homing/housing flood victims putting additional strain on the already stretched resource.

I am writing to convey my concern about the site of the new Gypsy site, I moved to Harbury with my family in September 2010 and have never felt more secure and safe ever since, we chose Harbury as it has a well serviced village location and very small amount of through traffic.
We moved from Headington in Oxford and had a Gypsy site about four miles from where we lived, also the Oxford city council re-housed some travellers on the estate we lived on. I have had a few dealings with travellers as I am a keen caravanner and have sold a few of my old Vans to gypsies, i found that they are quite agreeable people business wise once you can agree on a price for either an item they require or work they are offering to do for you, but on every occasion they have a severe lack of respect for local people and they Never tidy up the mess they make and the council will always be left to clear up the mess left by the travellers and a lot of unrest from locals will need addressing.
I believe that if the travellers need a site it should be much farther away from other communities, as they do not want to fit in with their surrounding, but wish to create their own living standards that others around them have to accept (even if the neighbours have lived in the area for a few generations).

I hope that I have not been too demeaning, as I have stated above, I have had a few dealings with travellers in the past, but in my knowledge they have very set beliefs and life structures that do not fit in with the surrounding area and population, I can be contacted on this email address and would like to know that my objection is satisfactory to be registered.

Having looked at the plans for the sites near Harbury I wanted to write in with my objections to the areas selected for the following reasons.

Harbury village is busier than ever. With the recent (and continued) addition of houses by the park it's noticeable how much more activity there is.

It's harder to park, and as someone who lives right in the middle of the village I frequently have people parking over my drive meaning I'm stuck in my car while they go to the shop. If residents of the new traveller sites frequent the shop, this problem will be worse.

The doctors surgery often has a week lead in time to get an appointment.

The school and nursery also seem quite full. My daughter is at nursery and although I don't have numbers, I notice how many cars there are at drop off and pick up (despite calls to walk to school). This problem would only get worse as you couldn't expect children from the traveller site to walk all that way.

Accessing the land looks like it would be from the fosse. I think it would be much better to access the sites from the Whitnash side for easier access into Leamington that has a lot more resources to cope with demand.

GT03 and GT04 seem too isolated compared to other sites and I think an unfair amount of pressure would be put on Harbury resources. Especially considering they are still building alongside the park.

Harbury really needs pause on new residents while resources catch up to demand.

Land at Barnwell Farm Harbury Lane

I would like to register my objection to the proposal that the above land be used for a traveller and gypsy site.

This is on the junction of two extremely busy and dangerous roads. Fosse Way is already under pressure from increased traffic due to Jaguar Land Rover, and Harbury Lane is now also used by buses to and from the National Grid site. Traffic from Leamington F.C. pours out onto the same road at regular intervals, already causing problems.

Local amenities such as the doctors and schools are already at capacity.

There will be a huge visual impact too, and I feel we should be retaining as much farmland and countryside as we can with a view to minimising the damage to wildlife.

I do not feel that this land is a suitable option for a site of this nature.

I wish to record my objection to the above proposed sites near Harbury.
I consider both these proposed sites to be inappropriate because of the
following:-

1. Travel Problems.

Both sites are on a High Risk travel route with more than 10 serious accidents in the last 3 years.
The roads around these sites are extremely busy, especially The Fosse Way with the prospect of even busier traffic from Jaguar/Land Rover at Gaydon. There are few if any bus stops and providing these would be an added danger for road users. With no paths nor pavements it would be dangerous to walk anywhere and cycling would be equally hazardous.
Children attempting to get to school would be in real danger.

2.Local Amenities.

These are already at full capacity levels and certainly primary, junior and secondary scools would be unable to accommodate extra numbers. The same could be said of doctors surgeries.

3. Environmental Mattters.

The proposed sites will have a devastating effect on mains sewerage and drainage in local villages wo are experiencing problems already. The cost of providing and maintaining additional capacities to meet increased usage would be colossal.Both proposed sites are in a flood risk area and are regularly flooded in winter times. This would not only be very inconvenient but could lead to expensive legal claims.

To summarize, I think it would be unwise and extremely costly to choose either of the sites and for the reasons listed I trust these sites will be rejected.

see attached

see attached

I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER MY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED NEW TRAVELLER SITES (GT03, AND GT 04). I COULD LIST MANY REASONS WHY I THINK THE SITES SHOULDN'T BE IN WHITNASH BUT I WILL RESTRICT MYSELF TO THE FOLLOWING
WE ALREADY HAVE ONE AT THE END OF GOLF LANE WHICH IS USED AS A BASE FOR BUSINESS OPERATIONS. I HAVE HAD AT LEAST TWO INCIDENTS WITH THE SITE RESIDENTS. I WAS WALKING MY DOG WHEN ONE SITE RESIDENT WAS DRIVING DOWN THE TRACK HE GOT OUT OF HIS TOYOTA PICKUP AND SAID IF I DIDNT MOVE QUICKLY HE WOULD PUNCH MY F***ING HEAD IN. I REPORTED IT TO THE POLICE. MY CHILDREN'S RABBIT WAS ATTACKED BY THEIR DOG ON ANOTHER OCCASION. WHAT WILL BE PUT IN PLACE TO STOP FURTHER INCIDENTS?
IT ALSO SEEMS THAT WHITNASH IS SEEN AS AN AREA WHERE ALL THE DEVELOPMENTS CAN BE DONE, WARWICK GATES HAS ALREADY DOUBLED THE BUILT UP AREA HERE. WHY DOESNT NORTH OF THE RIVER TAKE ITS FAIR SHARE.
I FEEL THAT WHITNASH IS SEEN AS A LESS DESIRABLE PLACE SO ANY PROBLEMS CAN BE DUMPED THERE

Having read this document, I note that consideration is being given to two permanent Gypsy and Traveller sites (GT03 and GT04) at Harbury Lane. This email refers to the reasons why I am objecting to consideration of these sites.
Before I begin my formal objection, I should point out that I believe that it is everyone's inalienable right to live somewhere, regardless of the lifestyle which they chose to follow. However, such rights must be balanced against the rights of those who are already living in an area. My objection therefore is based on this premise
Background
I have lived in Harbury for over 30 years and during that time a small amount of additional housing has been built for local users. Prior to consideration of any new building, a huge amount of detailed information was gathered which revolved around village demographics, the effects of additional numbers on health facilities, education facilities, transport, congestion, parking, recreational amenities etc.
I note that the WDC has not sought to ask Harbury village residents the same questions before it placed GT03 and GT04 on its list of potential permanent settlements located near Harbury village. I would have thought that such research would be essential BEFORE any consideration is given to any site which would result in increased use of those facilities.

My Objections:
1) Both GT03 and GT04 are located next to a busy commuter route (Harbury Lane and Fosse Way). It is also a known high risk accident spot and because of this, public transport would not be able to stop near the sites. There is no separate provision for pedestrians or cyclists on either Harbury Lane, Fosse Way or Middle Road. Thus, at neither site is there any safe way for children to get to Harbury School without vehicular assistance. This would mean that the site would exacerbate parking and obstruction problems at the school, which have only recently been overcome by ensuring village parents walk their children to school. Increased vehicular traffic would also increase the risk to those very children. It should also be pointed out that driving young children to school has also been blamed for the rising obesity levels, and I feel sure WDC would not endorse any plan that made driving the only method to get children to school.(See: Safe routes to school- an American document which nevertheless holds true for the UK http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/resourcecenter/quick-facts )

2) Even if (1) could be overcome at reasonable cost, the current village school is already oversubscribed and is likely to remain so given the current village demographic.

3) The village surgery is also running at capacity and has, as far as I have been able to ascertain, not been consulted by WDC to see if it could take additional patients.

4) As far as I can tell, sites GT03 and GT04 have no running water, mains sewerage, drainage or mains gas supply. Whilst the later can be overcome with the use of Butane gas cylinders, the former are essential for public health and the prevention of pollution of local water courses. Such pollution is likely to damage local wildlife, grazing livestock and be a health hazard.

5) I note that your document mentions that sites should not have a high risk of flooding. The sites mentioned DO have a risk of flooding given that they are affected by water run off from Harbury.

I believe that the incorporation of sites GT03 and GT04 was done with little research of their impact on the local community, the local wildlife and habitat. I also note that the majority of sites for discussion are located right on the edges of the WDC area with none located in the centres of main population of Leamington Spa, Warwick and Kenilworth. I am not sure why this is.

Please accept this email as a formal objection. I have included my personal information which is not to be released publicly without my express permission.