GT06 Land at Park Farm/Spinney Farm (amber)

Objection to GT15 Land to east of Europa Way (WDC Preferred Site)
I object to this site for the following reasons:-
Road access onto Europa Way, this is busy and also a fast road and liable to flooding. Road noise and pollution could be an issue.
No pavements on Europa Way, no access to public transport, nearest facilities not accessable.
Not screened as probably some trees will have to be felled on the site and may cause more flooding.
Land is not level and liable to flooding and may be water contamination issues.
Nearest facilities to site - can they absorb extra people, Bishops Tachbrook's school and doctors may not be able to cope.
Heavily wooded - possible impact on wildlife.
Objection to GT05 Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm, Banbury Road (WDC Alternative Site)
I object to any Gipsy/Traveller sites being erected on this site for the following reasons:-
The land would have to be compulsory purchased. It seems the farmer doesn't want to sell so could take some time to get land. The farmer would lose a source of income when the land will then be available for business use which is unfair.
The proximity to the village is incompatible with Gipsy/Traveler wish to live apart from settled community.
The size of the site is out of proportion to the village size.
The village school is single form entry. Would there be room for extra children and the help/facilities required for children with possibly special needs especially if more houses are built in the village or surrounds?
The village Doctors Surgery is only part time - can be hard to get appointment now.
The visual effect on the entrance to the village would be damaging - a good large piece of agricultural land plus a lovely field to be become an unpleasant eyesore and if used as a business site too, become a noisy addition to a quiet village.
In 1992 all Bishops Tachbrook residents were compensated for noise pollution due to the siting of M40, GT05 is closer to the M40 than the village. This then makes the site unsuitable due to noise from the M40.
Mallory Road and St Chads are busy roads through the village. School children crossing twice a day over Mallory Road would have to be considered, bring more cars through the village is not a good move. The A452 is a main arterial road route to the north and southbound M40, Leamington Spa and Warwick and to the various car companies in Gaydon. The junction of Mallory Road/Banbury Road is impossible to get out of at certain times of the day, increased village population will cause this is to be much worse. The junction is dangerous and there have been accidents and a fatality already. Much of the traffic on the Banbury Road does not adhere to the 50mph limit. The proposed access from the farmers drive is a blind spot at the top of a hill, very dangerous for pulling in and out of the site.
The land is not level, prone to flooding in the northwest corner which then floods the end of Mallory Road/Banbury Road.
There is no connection to services such as sewage and water on this land. Potential large cost to taxpayer.
There are no footpaths from the proposed site into the village and no bus stops by the site.
Potential disruption to Guide Dog centre on it's safe location and quietness and to Oakley Wood which is protected.
My preferred option GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road (WDC preferred Site)
I prefer this site because:-
It is much more suitable than the other nearby preferred and alternative sites and should not impact on the value of surrounding area.
Meets half the number of pitches required.
Site has planning for caravan site already, so minimal difference and little chance of flooding.
The site has no immediate neighbours and set off the road.
The site is already part prepared, seems to have infrastructure in place already, it is discreet, well screened and easily to be screened off more as road is into Historic Warwick. It should have minimal impact on any surrounding houses.
Has good road access. Safer access to site and there is road junction already in place.
Easy access to Warwick by public transport or on foot if safe footpath made. Access to doctors, schools and facilities easier.
Objection to GT06 Land at Park Farm, Spinney Farm (WDC Alternative Site)
I object to the site for the following reasons:-
A Gipsy/Traveller site here would have an adverse visual impact on the entrance to Historic Warwick
Owner is unwilling to sell so an expensive compulsory purchase necessary. If purchased the farmer would have restricted access to remaining land and may affect the viability of the farm.
Entrance and exit onto busy road. The proximity to the A425 and A452 must be a source of noise and pollution to the site.
Where would children attend school? Where would residents go to the doctors?Warwick or Leamington as Bishops Tachbrook facilities may not stretch to cope with more especially if more houses built in the village?
No bus stops/bus route.
This proposal is close to GT01 and GT15, too close? Could the sites be more spread around Warwickshire?

I am writing to object to proposals by Warwick District Council to site permanent Gypsy and Traveller sites near Barford, and suggest the Council considers the former Ford Foundry Car Park in Leamington Spa as a particularly suitable alternative site. The car park is discrete, relatively secure, close to employment opportunities, transit services, shops, schools, Health and Hospital facilities, and Catholic Churches.
In the 2011 census, Gypsy or Irish Travellers (over the age of 16) had the highest proportion of no qualifications for any ethnic group at 60%, higher than for England and Wales as a whole (23%). They also had the lowest proportion of people rating their general health as 'very good' or 'good' at 70% compared to 81% of the overall population of England and Wales. Proximity to good schools for all ages, adult education and health care services are essential if Gypsies and Travellers are to enjoy a more settled lifestyle and the benefits therefrom.
"Religion is of great importance to many Gypsies and Travellers, in terms of their daily lives and through rituals and gatherings. Irish Travellers are often devout Roman Catholics and their children attend Catholic schools. Many go on pilgrimages to Lourdes or in Ireland. Large numbers of Romany Gypsies are now Born-again Christians. They find love and solidarity in the Church and in meeting up with others from across Europe at large Christian conventions." [Bristol City Council's, Gypsies and Travellers - The Truth].
"The Government believes that everyone should have the opportunity of a decent home. Decent homes are a key element of any thriving, sustainable community. This is true for the settled and Gypsy and Traveller communities alike." [HMG, Department for Communities and Local Government, 'Designing Gypsy and Traveller Sites Good Practice Guide'].
"Warwick District Council is required by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Housing Act 2004 to meet the accommodation needs of the population within their area. This includes the needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community and that of Travelling Show People.
To meet this need Warwick District Council (WDC) is committed to allocating sustainable and affordable sites to meet the permanent residential needs of this District's Gypsy and Traveller Community and Travelling Show People through the Local Plan process." [http://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20416/evidence_base/733/gypsy_and_traveller_site_allocations]
Given WDC's commitment to meet "permanent residential needs" I am at a loss to understand why a very small group of itinerant, nomadic people loosely referred to as Gypsies and Travellers, who apparently, in general, contribute less to local or national GDP than the majority of people, being the lowest proportion of economically active at 47%, compared with 63% for England and Wales as a whole, should be given special treatment with the provision of transit camps at which they can stop, do a little bit of business, dump their trash and move on. This seems to be completely at odds with the Government's belief, and WDC's obligations and commitment. Moreover, considering HMG, Department for Communities and Local Government, 'Designing Gypsy and Traveller Sites Good Practice Guide', against the identified sites near Barford, there is a significant mismatch with the Government's advice.
"Gypsy and Traveller families often wish to have small compact and well-managed sites located in areas where they have historically resided and have a network of local family support. Local authorities have in the past tended to provide accommodation in inappropriate areas and the sites have therefore not always been used to their full potential. As with the settled community, Gypsy families prefer clean well-managed sites where there is no fear of retribution from problem families and they can enjoy a peaceful coexistence. [...]. Caution should be used when seeking locations for sites to ensure that they are based on need in a particular area and not the availability of inappropriate land for alternative uses. Traditionally, Gypsy sites have been located on land which is inappropriate for alternative uses and this, in itself, has caused problems both for the Gypsy community and for Site Managers."
Is it racist to say that Gypsy and Traveller camps frequently cause an increase in crime and mess, or is it a statistically supportable statement of fact?
Is the Government's decree to Local Authorities to provide more caravan pitches for Gypsies and Travellers predicated on the view that with more authorised sites there will be less of a problem with land occupied illegally? Is this a policy of appeasement of lawlessness or perhaps a sop to wealthy land owners?
Surely, if people want to spend their lives travelling around in caravans then they must operate within the law and rely on finding people willing to accommodate them - not expect special favours from the state. This politically correct initiative is not only flawed in principle but allows little room for local flexibility where councils are told to find additional sites, even though neighbouring authorities may have surplus sites.
Councils may say that they are forced to carry out the Government's bidding, but that does not excuse genuine consultation and democracy. Simply writing to villagers, and providing displays and meetings, asking how they would feel about a Gypsy and Traveller camp on their patch is only valid if the respondents are acknowledged and their views genuinely considered, even to the extent that it may mean a significant change of plans.
Many decent concerned residents see Gypsies and Travellers as a threat to their peaceful way of life, expressing genuine concern over the impact on crime rates and on the local environment. Is simply expressing such concerns, of itself, unreasonable or racist?
Across Britain there is a grotesque game being played between bureaucrats attempting to force through new sites, against objectors feeling obliged to hire lawyers to make sure submissions do not breach some thought crime which could result in them being disregarded.
Is it racist to say Gypsy and Traveller camps may cause an increase in crime and mess? Not to say that all Gypsies and Travellers are the same - there appears to be an elaborate calibrated class structure with Romany Gypsies looking down on Irish Tinkers who in turn have little time for New Age travellers. It is not right to suggest that all Gypsies and Travellers are criminal or that none of them work for a living.
There is an old fashioned romance for Gypsies which can still exist in reality sometimes, with brightly coloured Gypsy wagons drawn by ponies, and people who undertake honest temporary work for local farmers.
But are there not others who are a complete menace to those in proximity to them? Rather than insulting those who warn of problems, the Government and local authorities should address peoples' concerns.
Obviously, my opinion is epistemological, based on a cursory review of information available through the Internet and observing such people across the country, including, latterly at 'Tournament Fields' [previously an RAF Station and now a housing and business development area], just off the Stratford Road heading southwest out of Warwick.
From the latest (2011) census data just 24% [>14,000] of the 58,000 Gypsy and / or Irish Travellers live in caravans or other mobile or temporary structures. The "Gypsy and Traveller caravan count - January 2011" records:
* The total number of Gypsy and Traveller caravans in England remained broadly level at 18,383 caravans, an increase of 46 caravans since January 2010.
* A total of 6,942 caravans were on authorised public sites, a slight increase of 72 (1%) caravans since the January 2010 an average of 22.2 caravans per site.
* The number of caravans on authorised private sites was 8,332, an increase of 484 (6%) caravans since the January 2010 count - an average of 4.5 caravans per site.
* Caravans on unauthorised developments, on land owned by Gypsies and Travellers, decreased by 195 (8%) to 2,200 since the January 2010 count.
* Caravans on unauthorised encampments, on land not owned by Gypsies and Travellers, decreased by 315 (26%) to 909 since the January 2010 count.
* The average occupancy of an unauthorised encampment is 4.9 caravans per site compared with 3.6 caravans on unauthorised sites on land owned by Gypsies or Travellers.
* Overall, the January 2011 count indicates that 17% of Gypsy and Traveller caravans in England were on unauthorised land and 83% were on authorised land.
* Overall, the count indicates an increase of around 2,500 Gypsy and Traveller caravans in England and Wales since 2005, with a reduced overall percentage on authorised sites and an increase in those on unauthorised sites, despite a significant increase in provision.
Considering Gypsy or Irish Travellers living in England and Wales[1]
The Office of National Statistics analysis of 2011 Census data in response to which 58,000 people selected the Gypsy or Irish Traveller ethnicity option or wrote the same under the 'Other White' category (excluding people who identify as Roma), made Gypsy or Irish Traveller the smallest ethnic group (surveyed) at 0.1% of the England and Wales population. As an ethnic group, they are recognised under the Equality Act 2010 and considered by government and charities to be a vulnerable marginalised group who suffer from poor outcomes.
A higher proportion of Gypsy or Irish Travellers are under the age of 20 (39%) compared with England and Wales overall (24%) with a lower median age of 26, compared with 39 overall.
99% were born in Europe (including 88% in the UK). Their main language is English (or Welsh in Wales) at 91%, similar to that for England and Wales (92%).
20,500 households identified as Gypsy or Irish Traveller and 60% were one-family households. For all households, 45% had dependent children, above the average for England and Wales (29%).
Nearly a quarter, 24% of Gypsy or Irish Travellers, lived in caravans or other mobile or temporary structures, well above the average for England and Wales as a whole at 0.3%. Whole house or bungalow was the most common type of accommodation at 61%. They were more than twice as likely to live in social housing as the overall population of England and Wales (41% compared with 16%) and less likely to own their accommodation outright (21% compared with 26%).
Gypsy or Irish Travellers had the lowest proportion of people rating their general health as 'very good' or 'good' at 70% compared to 81% of the overall population of England and Wales.
Gypsy or Irish Travellers (over the age of 16) had the highest proportion of no qualifications for any ethnic group at 60%, higher than for England and Wales as a whole (23%).
Just under half of Gypsy or Irish Travellers were economically active; the lowest proportion of economically active at 47%, compared with 63% for England and Wales as a whole. Over half of those who were economically active were employed (51% compared to 75% for the total of England and Wales) and 20% were unemployed (compared to 7% for the whole of England and Wales). They had the highest proportion of self employed out of the ethnic groups at 26% compared to 14% for England and Wales. Just over half were economically inactive; the most common reason was looking after the home or family (27%) which was higher than that for England and Wales (11%).
For Gypsy or Irish Travellers (16 and over) in employment, elementary occupations (such as farm workers, process plant workers or service staff) were the most common type of employment at 22% (11% for England and Wales). The second highest occupation was skilled trades at 19% such as agricultural, electric and building trades, higher than England and Wales and all other ethnic groups.
Gypsies and Travellers seem to carry what some might call, 'myths and stereotypes' which may give rise to the prejudices and fears which even some rational people have with regard to the location of camps. Let's consider the debate more closely:
"Travellers are thieves and criminals"
The response from Gypsy and Traveller advocates is to say that in every community there are individuals who engage in criminal activity, but this should not be grounds for making sweeping assumptions - why should all Gypsies and Travellers be associated with anti-social or criminal behaviour? Just because some Gypsies and Travellers are thieves and criminals, doesn't mean they all are - does it? Campaigners on behalf of Gypsies and Travellers claim there is no evidence of higher crime rates amongst Gypsies and Travellers. Perhaps unintentionally, however, such a claim seems to accept that there is evidence of crime rates amongst Gypsies and Travellers at least at the National Average, a view Police, Local Authorities and the victims of crime at the hands of Gypsies and Travellers might be inclined to agree with. It may be coincidental that when caravans park up in an area, reported crime seems to increase,
One bad apple...
The fear and trepidation as well as the social impact and damage on small communities of even just one determined, itinerant criminal, whether stealing from gardens and outbuildings or breaking into houses and business premises, terrorising individuals, can be harrowing to the point of catastrophic. The impact of organised groups taking valuable metals from roof tops, or more dangerously, cable theft, can be financially injurious, often with the brunt of the impact being felt by Churches, Schools, Local Authority and Business premises. The impact on individuals can be life threatening when cables are stolen from road lighting and signaling systems, or railway premises. The impact on the neighbourhood from adverse news and crime statistics discourages visitors from visiting, particularly damaging in an area where employment and economic viability are heavily dependent on tourism and business start-up and innovation.
It is a matter of fact that settled communities, especially relatively 'comfortable' rural and semi-rural communities, have very low or even negligible crime rates. The visitation of just one or two criminals on such areas can have a devastating impact on people as well as crime rates, and when those events coincide with the presence of Gypsies and Travellers it's hardly surprising that people and authorities might jump to conclusions. The juxtaposition of social itinerant transit facilities adjacent to more affluent neighbourhoods is a recipe for disaster - the potential for harm to the community and a consequential increase in crime rates seems inevitable even to the most charitable mind. Sometimes temptation is just too great, and with the provision of transit facilities, where people can stop, do a little business, and move on, perhaps into the jurisdictions of others, can only serve to fuel the untouchable feeling and behaviour of criminal elements. Furthermore, as groups come and go, not settling permanently, the constant feeling of trepidation caused by the natural human reaction to strangers, renders life uncomfortable.
A low crime rate and social amenability is so much a feature of the Barford area that is was recently rated one of the best places to live in Britain, an accolade it would be unlikely to retain if the crime rate rose, and unsightly and unhealthy dumping became a significant problem.
Does Warwick District council really want to site Gypsies and Travellers at Barford, ranked in the top 10 places to live in the Midlands category of The Sunday Times' annual 101 Best Places to Live in Britain? The guide combines crime rates, house prices and school performances to select places with the best quality of life, good local shops and attractive outdoor spaces.
Warwickshire and particularly Barford has a crime rate significantly below the National Average; introducing even a small number of statistically evident criminals into the area is likely to have a detrimental affect on crime rates, and the peace of mind and security of the neighbourhood and its populous.
Advocates say that constantly referring to encampments as "illegal" furthers the perception that travellers are to blame for everything that goes wrong in the neighbourhoods they live in. But then again, squatting at the side of the road or on private land isn't always legal; if it were legal, then how is it that the law moves them on? Making sites 'legal' on its own will not change the anti-social, and even criminal behaviour of determined villains, regardless of their ethnicity.
Campaigners cite the statistic of Gypsies and Travellers in the prison population, saying there are few in prison, however, a cursory review of Police and Court records will reveal another interesting statistic - the frequency with which Gypsies and Travellers fail to answer summonses, submit to arrest warrants and show up in court. When they do answer charges, the prospect they face may be a guilty verdict, but not necessarily a custodial sentence, and there is also anecdotal evidence that, despite alleged prejudices by the Police towards Gypsies and Travellers, Police tend not to prosecute Gypsies and Travellers for minor offences due to the fact that their itinerant lifestyle means they will simply move on.
Campaigners speculate that it may be that ostracising Travellers from the Settled Community has the effect of pushing them to the margins of society and makes them more vulnerable to poverty and anti-social influences. If that was the case, would Gypsies and Travellers not prefer to settle, and object to the provision of what are effectively transit camps.
They leave rubbish everywhere and destroy the countryside.
Humankind produces huge amounts of waste every day. In every community, there are people who are concerned about doing their part for a clean environment, and those who do not care. Press reports of Gypsy Travellers which fuel the stereotype that they destroy the places they stay always outnumber the very rare reports to the contrary - good neighbours rarely make the news.
Even though site residents pay rent and taxes, they do not enjoy the same rights as people in settled housing. Many sites remain poorly serviced, lack proper sanitation, and waste disposal facilities which leaves residents living in squalid conditions they can do nothing to change.
However, there are also a number of sites which are very well managed and cared for by Travellers and local authorities but that doesn't seem worth highlighting in the press.
Gypsy Travellers do not seek out places to live where they are in poverty without access to basic facilities such as water, electricity, and sanitation. Lack of temporary and permanent sites leaves them with no place to go and pushes many families to resort to the only option available - unauthorised encampments. Those then fan the flames of an already tense relationship between Travellers and the settled community resulting in stress and evictions.
Everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They are also entitled to culturally appropriate housing that matches their lifestyle.
Due to the lack of interaction between the communities, the media is often the only source of information. Sadly, many journalists are passionate about pursuing negative portrayals of Travellers.
Evidence provided to Select Committee on the importance of site location:
"What is working [in Ireland] are small sites. And they are not placed under flyovers or pylons, or beside sewers, canals or tips; they are placed on proper positioned land, bang within the middle of a settled community, and they are working."
"We would make a strong plea for safeguards to be put in place to ensure that future site development is not located in polluted or hazardous locations, as... many sites are. Not only does this have a negative impact on Gypsies and Travellers health and access to services but it has a profound impact on how they feel they are perceived and treated by the wider community, likewise such locations reinforce the prejudiced perceptions that many in the settled community have of Gypsies and Travellers, such locations are therefore a major impediment to social inclusion.
[1] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census-analysis/what-does-the-2011-census-tell-us-about-the-characteristics-of-gypsy-or-irish-travellers-in-england-and-wales-/sty-gypsy-or-irish-travellers.html
I could go on, but I think you get my drift.

Thank you for taking my thoughts into consideration.

I am writing to express in the strongest possible terms by objection to the proposed Gypsy site at GT04 on the site currently offered by Leamington Football Club. Even if you believe that the council are required to provide such facilities, that they are necessary and that the people involved in fact want them (all of which are more than debatable), there are some very grave inaccuracies and irregularities about the process and the proposals.

It is absolutely clear that the whole process has been engineered by Warwick DC to push the sites chosen to the very boundaries of the District. This will have two very clear benefits to Warwick DC, firstly it will eliminate any impact on their residents (and therefore voters) of these sites, and secondly it will push the costs for the provision of services such as schools, Doctors, Policing and other welfare onto neighbouring districts. Both of these objectives are utterly deplorable.

On order to achieve these aims, Warwick DC have clearly judged each site not on defined, creditable, consistent, stated and scored criteria, instead they have mixed and matched criteria and weighing to achieve the outcome that suits their own political agenda. Issues that are deemed as worthy of comment for one site are omitted for another, and initial proposals - right down to the actual land in question - have been adjusted to include or exclude sites as required.

Contradictions and inconsistencies
The latest consultation document is full of contradictions, for example, one site is ruled out due to high pressure gas mains, the next a site is altered to accommodate the fact that there is a high pressure gas main. Similarly, one minute the residents of the travellers site needs access to major road network, the next minute they do not or it is too noisy. The arguments made are clearly 'convenient' to suit the agenda of Warwick district council, which is clearly to push this provision to the farthest boundary and onto Stratford-upon-Avon DC and their residents.

The idea that Gypsies will be content to avoid the closest services for Doctors and Schools in Harbury and head to Bishops Itchington due to an arbitrary district boundary as are fanciful as they are preposterous.

Changing the definition of GT04
Furthermore there have been several differences between the initial proposals and the revised proposal, not least that the initial proposal at GT04 stated that the site would be opposite Barwell Farm and it is now limited to the football club. This devious provision of information meant that objections to the first proposal focussed on a different area to that which is now being proposed, which meant that some key factors may have been overlooked and some key arguments voided.

Specific contradictions when comparing sites (and paragraph 6.1)
There are enormous irregularities in the pro's and con's provided in the consultation, where considerations that are applicable to one site are equally applicable to another but ignored. The application list shown in 6.2 of the document highlights this perfectly. In fact, 6.2 is actually a list of further considerations that may or may not be referred to as appropriate to suit the councils agenda.

For example:
GT04 lies within a flood plane, so the 'new' proposed area, which is different to that considered in the first consultation, has been cherry picked to cover only the part that does not lie in this area. This approach has not been afforded to any other proposed site with flood considerations.

GT04 has issues around danger to wildlife, again the 'new' proposed area, which is different to that considered in the first consultation, has been cherry picked to cover only the part that does not lie in this area. This approach has not been afforded to any other proposed site with wildlife considerations.

Various sites mention a high pressure gas main. Only site GT04 has been sub divided to get around this 'problem'.

GT06 'may cause problems for viable agricultural unit'. Of course the land at GT04 could otherwise form prime agricultural land (if indeed that is a consideration) should the football club vacate and the provision of these facilities will of course have an impact on neighbouring agricultural land.

GT08 is flagged as being within 1km of a railway line. GT04 is also within 1km of a railway line.

GT08 is noted as being (potentially too) remote from transport links and the like. It is no more remote than GT04.

Various sites mention potential road noise from the A46 and M40, yet the Fosse Way (which is adjacent to the GT04 site) is one of the busiest roads in the area.

GT13 mentions failed planning applications previously. Without any detail it is impossible to say that those same reasons for failing to approve this site be any less relevant to GT04.

GT13 is noted as being too remote from services and facilities, remote from primary road network and on high quality landscape. All three of these reasons are more applicable to GT04 than GT13.

GT14 mentions contamination from use as a poultry Farm. This is nonsensical, what possible contamination could there be arising from a poultry farm?

Gtalt02. By far and away the biggest irregularities focusses on Gtalt02, which is marked as 'amber'. When compared to GT04:
* it is apparently remote from services, although no more remote than GT04,
* it would require the purchase of a timber business, whereas mention of the cost and disruption of re-homing a football club is conspicuous by it's absence
* the road may be dangerous even though mention of the Fosse Way, the most dangerous road in Warwickshire if not the Midlands - again not mentioned in GT04.
* Mention of the ancient woodland, although the view from Chesterton Windmill is completely omitted in reference to GT04. (but then I suppose that falls in Statford-upon-Avon DC so that probably doesn't count).

Gtalt03 appears to have not been delivered as 'green' on the basis of being on Greenbelt. If this is an overriding issue or is simply too difficult, then these sites should never have been considered in the first place - what is the point of including and then omitting anything on a green belt is not to force non-green belt sites through. This is consistent throughout the document.

Gtalt04 is stated as being remote from ALL services and facilities, despite being next to a railway station and in a village every bit as well served as anything within 2 miles of GT04.

The reasons given for Gtalt06 are so vague it is not worth commenting on, and all of the positive reasons for inclusion at other sites (such as proximity to services, near to transport links, not being on the greenbelt etc etc) have been completely omitted. Very clearly this is bowing to pressure from a landowner and as such this site should be reconsidered and judged in parallel to the other sites whereby pro's are considered in addition to just the 'cons'.

Gtalt07 mentions being 'open to views from the West'. This is a very odd reason and I cannot see why views from Chesterton Windmill have been entirely omitted in the case of GT04.

Gtalt09 (and others) I am intrigued about the mention of land being 'allocated for residential use'. How a gypsy site would not be considered 'residential use' is very odd, except of course if these is a windfall to the council in selling the land to a developer.

Gtalt10 mentions that the area excluded for risk of flooding but that this is going to be remedied, it is completely unclear as to why this is a problem.

Gtalt13 (excusing typo) - states that the road is not suitable to serve caravans, but these are to be fixed units . This is an enormous and concerning irregularity. Furthermore, it is incongruous that the council are seemingly not willing to improve a road but they are willing to move a whole football club with the costs that this activity would incur.

Gtalt15 - again these are no comments about how 'good' the provision of services would be at this site. Furthermore, there is no 'Olympus Way' in Leamington spa, but access from ' Olympus Avenue' would be ideal for residents.

Gtalt16 is far too vague to comment.

Gtalt22 is mentioned as being 'very open and conspicuous', as well as unpalatable to the neighbours. This is a complete re-write of the rules that all other sites have been judged by.

Consideration of Neighbours

I was alarmed, concerned and ultimately unsurprised when told by a representative of Warwick DC that they have travelled the length and breath of the country to similar sites to speak to traveller families, council officials yet not (even once) those local residents that are affected by the sites. This is entirely preposterous, a scandalous mis-use of public money and shows the utter discontempt for residents (especially those of neighbouring Districts) that will be impacted by these plans.

Ideal sites

The following sites should be utilised. In each case they are either already marked 'Green' or the reasons for being amber or red are extremely weak in comparison with other sites.

GT06 - none of the reasons given against using GT06 are strong enough to preclude the site as being Green. Utilising 6 pitches at this site would spread the burden of provision around the district.

GT11 - as above, none of the reasons given are strong enough to preclude the site as being marked Green. This site would give access to the plentiful services in Warwick and has access to facilities and transport links. The only real reason this has been excluded is the council do not want Gypsy's 'in their backyard', as well as probably objections to a current or potential developer.

GT19 - again, an ideal site and possibly small enough for the local community to absorb, although this should be carefully monitored.

Gtalt01 - already earmarked as a camping site but unlikely to be viable as a business. If indeed there is a requirement, desire and need for such facilities, this a very clear and obvious place that gives residents access to the plentiful services on offer in Warwick Town.

On this point, it is as astonishing as it is unsurprising that the district council has not been 'able' to find any 'green rated' sites that would mean that the provision of services is drawn from the council home of Leamington Spa.

Gtalt02 - again, none of the reasons given are strong enough to preclude the site as being marked Green. This site would give access to the plentiful services in Leamington Spa and has access to facilities and transport links. The only real reason this has been excluded is the council do not want Gypsy's 'in their backyard'.

Gtalt03 - again, reasons not strong enough to preclude the site as being marked Green. This site would give access to the plentiful services in Warwick and has access to facilities and transport links. Likely to be affected by the views of a potential developer.

Gtalt12 - Marked Green, although there does seem likely to be a significant amount of pressure put on services in Barford which I believe may fall in Stratford-upon-Avon DC area.

Gtalt15 - Again, it is not clear as to why this site is not marked as green as different criteria seem to have been given to this and other sites. To claim that some remote sites are close enough to facilities and services but then to not comment in relation to this site is entirely perplexing.

The proposed sites at GT17, GT18 and GT20 are all absolutely ideal for a development of this type. There is not a single criteria that are not met by these sites and it seems that the wishes of one group (in this instance the highways) are accepted and not questioned unlike the view of residents elsewhere.
Best mix

The best mix is to place up to 38 pitches all at GT17, GT18 and GT20. As an alternative, the following mix would best meet the needs of the travelling community, not impact disproportionally on the lives of small communities in and near to Warwick District. All of these sites would have significant space to expand.

GT06 Land at Park Farm, Spinney Farm - 6 'pitches' (currently AMBER)
GT11 Land at Budbrooke Lodge, Racecourse and Hampton Road - 5 'pitches' (currently AMBER)
GT19 Land adjacent Shell Petrol Filling Station, Birmingham Road, Budbrooke, Warwick - 5 'pitches' (currently GREEN)
GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road - 15 'pitches' (currently GREEN)
GTalt02 Land off Rugby Road, Cubbington - 5 'pitches' (currently AMBER)
GTalt03 Henley Road/Hampton Road, Hampton-on-the-Hill - 5 'pitches' (currently AMBER)
GTalt15 r.o. department store, Leamington Retail Park - 5 'pitches' (currently RED)

That is if these facilities are needed at all - which frankly nobody believes.

Yours sincerely

James Skidmore

GT05 Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm, Banbury Road (WDC Alternative Site) is totally unsuitable for a development of this sort. Here are our reasons as to why
Close to M40 and A452 with accompanying noise pollution and access issues.
Already difficulty to exit village on A52 safely
Flooding issues on Mallory Road
Proximity to Village Incompatible with wanting to live apart from settled community.
Small village facilities-part time surgery, single form entry primary school
Visual impact on area I believe will be negative and bring into question the need for Blight notices to be served
The school cannot facilitate the children and any special needs due to it being small and one form per year
Im concerned about noise generated from site
Main road into village already dangerous without this community racing horses and carts down it as they did recently on the A46
In 1992 all BT residents were compensated for noise pollution due to siting of M40 - where is the compensation for this.
GT05 is closer to M40 than BT village. By the precedent set for compensation this
makes the site unsuitable for Caravans due to noise. A452 is a main arterial route to
M40(s) and to Gaydon Site from Leamington /Warwick making this an extremely
Too busy a road especially during morning and evening rush hour to be worsened by 10000 homes being built
Totally unsuitable to use good grade agricultural land. Will have developmental impact on the
approach to the village.
Exit onto the lane and or main road will be dangerous. Too close proximity to houses.
Too much of a vast open space
Compulsory purchase is unfair in order for the G&T community to operate the site as
a business.
No mains set up
No footpath to school/ docs etc.
Not suitable for business use and detriment to local businesses.
I run a business from the village and im afraid the stigma of such a site could affect my own business that sells to families.
I also run Warwickshire Hedgehog Rescue and we have released countless of these endangered animals into this location, and subsequent poor rubbish disposal as already demonstrated by these people elsewhere locally will harm wildlife.
School and Local GP surgery already oversubscribed
Only 10 minute walk from Oakley Wood (via wide verge) and opposite guide dogs
breeding centre, so not a good idea
Accident blackspot
Reputation damage to our primary school
The access from the farmers drive there is a blind spot at the brow of the hill so very
dangerous for pulling out of and turning into

GT06 Land at Park Farm, Spinney Farm (WDC Alternative Site)
Would harm the rural buffer zone and destroy the visual amenity on the approach to
Warwick
Severely restricts access for the owner of park farm to his remaining land
Proximity to major roads A452 and A425 with accompanying road noise pollution and
access issues
Adverse effect on viability of the farm business
Adverse visual impact on the countryside
Owner not willing to sell - expense of compulsory purchase
GT15 Land to east of Europa Way (WDC Preferred Site)
Access onto Europa Way would be dangerous
BT would have to serve the community but capacity at school is questionable
Doctors surgery is already under pressure
No bus route into Bishops Tachbrook Warwick or Leamington
GT15 is opposite busy trunk feeder
Minimal visual impact
Heavily wooded - no facilities
Steep sloping ground
Road access would need improving
Busy road
Only small site and therefore more sites needed (no doubt in Tachbrook)
No pavements
On motorway feeder
Not on bus route
On busy road accompanying road noise and pollution and access issues
Concerns over flooding and water contamination into the brook
Would require clearing woodland
After Brookside Willows, it does however appear to be the most suitable site
Screen from road
Close to Leamington for doctors and schools etc
Land owned by Council
Traffic calming measures
GTalt01 Brookside Willows, Banbury Road (WDC Preferred Site) is a site I could back and agree that is suitable and manged by an external provider ie housing association not by the gypsies themselves
Ideal location well screened
Site already part prepared
Good road access
Needs a safe pedestrian footpath into Warwick
No immediate neighbours
Infrastructure already in place
Well away from main road
Preferred site
Good access to site already there
Easy access to Warwick Town by Public transport/ on foot
Less traffic that other main roads locally
Reused ground - no flooding
Good site
Planning for Caravan Site anyway: minimal difference and therefore costs are lower
Facilities already in existence
No compulsory purchase necessary
Minimum development needed for occupation
Planning permission approved for a caravan park
* More suitable that some of the alternatives

I object to the following proposed gypsy and traveller sites for the reasons set out below:

GT04: Land at Harbury Lane/Fosse Way
* 'The site is currently the home ground of Leamington Football Club.' Whilst the Football Club may be amenable to the sale of the land for a Gypsy and Traveller site the local people who support the team would have to travel a lot further to the ground, thus increasing traffic levels. It would also be a costly move for the Club which the District Council would have to subsidise.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to a public foul mains sewer, but could drain away from the south or be served by a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* It is in a very rural location, not connected to any footpaths and thus dangerous for access except by car.
GT05: Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm
* The site is in very close proximity to Bishop's Tachbrook School. As such it presents potential problems with school premises security as the transient nature of those living on the site may mean it isn't known who is living there at any given time. This has implications for the application of 'Sara's Law'.
* Bishop's Tachbrook School is already oversubscribed with children living in the village. The consultation document states that, 'Children living on this site would secure places over children at a greater distance.' This would disadvantage other permanent residents of the village as the transient nature of the gypsy and traveller lifestyle is such that the children may only be living on the site for a small proportion of the school year yet the school could be required to keep that place open for the whole year.
* There is currently a planning application for settled housing on this site which could be jeopardised by this site application. The Local Plan requires housing for both settled and travelling populations and by allocating this land for travellers, few settled people could be housed.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to public foul mains sewer and would need a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* The village has limited local facilities in general with just a single shop currently operating. This site would lead to additional traffic into Warwick and Leamington on already busy roads.
* The site is located close to the M40 and A452 with accompanying noise pollution and access issues which makes it unsuitable for residential development. This site is adjacent to a bad junction where there have already been a number of accidents.
* 'Compulsory purchase powers would have to be used to bring the site forward.' This would add additional cost to the planning process and also damage the feasibility of the agricultural employment currently being provided by Tachbrook Hill Farm. The economic viability of the farm could be compromised.
GT06: Land at Park Farm/Spinney Farm
* The site's proximity to major roads A452 and A425, with accompanying road noise pollution and access issues make this site unsuitable for residential purposes. The consultation document states, 'There may also be noise issues connected with proximity to Warwick By-Pass depending on where exactly the site is located'
* The consultation document highlights that, 'Use of just a central section of the site for this use may cause problems for a viable agricultural unit as it dissects fields'.
* The consultation document points out that whilst the site is within Flood Zone 1, 'There is however an ordinary watercourse running through the centre of the site and along the eastern boundary for which no modelling has been undertaken. This could affect the capacity of the site for development and therefore further assessment needs to be undertaken prior to allocation.' The potential contamination of this watercourse from the gypsy and traveller site should be taken into consideration given the possibility of contamination of the River Avon.
* The location of the site, on a major route into historic Warwick, could have an adverse impact on the rural landscape and approach to Warwick Castle tourist attraction.
* The consultation document highlights possible contamination issues 'There are unknown contamination issues relating to a former landfill site on western third of site which reduces the developable area.' This makes the size of the site less viable than other sites.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to public foul mains sewer and would need a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* 'Compulsory purchase powers would have to be used to bring the site forward.' This would add additional cost to the planning process and also damage the feasibility of the agricultural employment currently being provided by Park Farm/Spinney Farm. The economic viability of the farms could be compromised.

GT15: Land east of Europa Way
* The site's proximity to the A452, with accompanying road noise pollution and access issues make this site unsuitable for residential purposes.
* The A452 is a main route into Leamington for commuter traffic and access onto this road would be dangerous, with high potential for accidents.
* There are no footpaths connecting this site which would either force pedestrians to make dangerous journeys by foot or increase traffic congestion along an already congested route.
* Bishop's Tachbrook School is already oversubscribed with children living in the village and adding this site to the catchment area would disadvantage other permanent residents of the village as the transient nature of the gypsy and traveller lifestyle is such that the children may only be living on the site for a small proportion of the school year yet the school could be required to keep that place open for the whole year.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to public foul mains sewer and would need a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* As the site is in the ownership of Warwickshire County Council, this site could be in place more quickly than other sites.
GTalt01: Brookside Willows, Banbury Road
* The Tach Brook runs alongside this site and thus there is concern over the potential contamination of the Brook and the River Avon.
* As a previous landfill site there will be contaminants which may make the site unsuitable for permanent residential use (versus the holiday caravan site there is currently planning permission for).
* This site does have footpath access to the town of Warwick and the facilities and amenities therein.
* The site is well screened from the road and as much of the infrastructure is in place this site could be in place more quickly than other sites.

I object to the following proposed gypsy and traveller sites for the reasons set out below:

GT04: Land at Harbury Lane/Fosse Way
* 'The site is currently the home ground of Leamington Football Club.' Whilst the Football Club may be amenable to the sale of the land for a Gypsy and Traveller site the local people who support the team would have to travel a lot further to the ground, thus increasing traffic levels. It would also be a costly move for the Club which the District Council would have to subsidise.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to a public foul mains sewer, but could drain away from the south or be served by a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* It is in a very rural location, not connected to any footpaths and thus dangerous for access except by car.
GT05: Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm
* The site is in very close proximity to Bishop's Tachbrook School. As such it presents potential problems with school premises security as the transient nature of those living on the site may mean it isn't known who is living there at any given time. This has implications for the application of 'Sara's Law'.
* Bishop's Tachbrook School is already oversubscribed with children living in the village. The consultation document states that, 'Children living on this site would secure places over children at a greater distance.' This would disadvantage other permanent residents of the village as the transient nature of the gypsy and traveller lifestyle is such that the children may only be living on the site for a small proportion of the school year yet the school could be required to keep that place open for the whole year.
* There is currently a planning application for settled housing on this site which could be jeopardised by this site application. The Local Plan requires housing for both settled and travelling populations and by allocating this land for travellers, few settled people could be housed.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to public foul mains sewer and would need a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* The village has limited local facilities in general with just a single shop currently operating. This site would lead to additional traffic into Warwick and Leamington on already busy roads.
* The site is located close to the M40 and A452 with accompanying noise pollution and access issues which makes it unsuitable for residential development. This site is adjacent to a bad junction where there have already been a number of accidents.
* 'Compulsory purchase powers would have to be used to bring the site forward.' This would add additional cost to the planning process and also damage the feasibility of the agricultural employment currently being provided by Tachbrook Hill Farm. The economic viability of the farm could be compromised.
GT06: Land at Park Farm/Spinney Farm
* The site's proximity to major roads A452 and A425, with accompanying road noise pollution and access issues make this site unsuitable for residential purposes. The consultation document states, 'There may also be noise issues connected with proximity to Warwick By-Pass depending on where exactly the site is located'
* The consultation document highlights that, 'Use of just a central section of the site for this use may cause problems for a viable agricultural unit as it dissects fields'.
* The consultation document points out that whilst the site is within Flood Zone 1, 'There is however an ordinary watercourse running through the centre of the site and along the eastern boundary for which no modelling has been undertaken. This could affect the capacity of the site for development and therefore further assessment needs to be undertaken prior to allocation.' The potential contamination of this watercourse from the gypsy and traveller site should be taken into consideration given the possibility of contamination of the River Avon.
* The location of the site, on a major route into historic Warwick, could have an adverse impact on the rural landscape and approach to Warwick Castle tourist attraction.
* The consultation document highlights possible contamination issues 'There are unknown contamination issues relating to a former landfill site on western third of site which reduces the developable area.' This makes the size of the site less viable than other sites.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to public foul mains sewer and would need a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* 'Compulsory purchase powers would have to be used to bring the site forward.' This would add additional cost to the planning process and also damage the feasibility of the agricultural employment currently being provided by Park Farm/Spinney Farm. The economic viability of the farms could be compromised.
GT15: Land east of Europa Way
* The site's proximity to the A452, with accompanying road noise pollution and access issues make this site unsuitable for residential purposes.
* The A452 is a main route into Leamington for commuter traffic and access onto this road would be dangerous, with high potential for accidents.
* There are no footpaths connecting this site which would either force pedestrians to make dangerous journeys by foot or increase traffic congestion along an already congested route.
* Bishop's Tachbrook School is already oversubscribed with children living in the village and adding this site to the catchment area would disadvantage other permanent residents of the village as the transient nature of the gypsy and traveller lifestyle is such that the children may only be living on the site for a small proportion of the school year yet the school could be required to keep that place open for the whole year.
* The consultation document states, 'It is unlikely that the site could connect to public foul mains sewer and would need a non-mains solution.' Given the issues Warwick District has experienced in the past with disposal of human waste by gypsies and travellers a non-mains solution is not appropriate for this community and a site able to be connected to the mains sewer should be preferred.
* The consultation document refers to the GP surgery in the village but this is only open part time. The higher level health needs of the gypsy and traveller community could potentially overwhelm the existing service.
* As the site is in the ownership of Warwickshire County Council, this site could be in place more quickly than other sites.
GTalt01: Brookside Willows, Banbury Road
* The Tach Brook runs alongside this site and thus there is concern over the potential contamination of the Brook and the River Avon.
* As a previous landfill site there will be contaminants which may make the site unsuitable for permanent residential use (versus the holiday caravan site there is currently planning permission for).
* This site does have footpath access to the town of Warwick and the facilities and amenities therein.
* The site is well screened from the road and as much of the infrastructure is in place this site could be in place more quickly than other sites.

Please see below my comments in reference to the following sites:

GT04: Land at Harbury Lane/Fosse Way - Object

- There are no footpaths connecting to this site, therefore pedestrian access will be dangerous as peak travel times.

- Increased level of healthcare required by the Gypsy and Traveller community will put pressure on the local GP Surgery, which currently only runs on a part time basis.

- There has not been an appropriate solution found in reference to the Sewerage Disposal. A mains connected sewer is preferable, but it is stated in the consultation document that this is "unlikely".

- Cost to move the football club would have to be subsidised by the District Council, this will be a costly exercise with no gain.

GT05: Land at Tachbrook Hill Farm - Object

- Bishops Tachbrook School is already over subscribed, however the consultation document states that 'Children living on this site would secure places over children at a greater distance.' This disadvantages other permanent residents in the village.

- The site is in close proximity to Bishops Tachbrook School and will therefore have implications for the application of "Sara's Law".

- Extra pressure will be put on the local facilities, small local shop.

- Additional traffic would end up using the already congested roads into Warwick and South Leamington

- Increased level of healthcare required by the Gypsy and Traveller community will put pressure on the local GP Surgery, which currently only runs on a part time basis.

- Site is located close to the M40, this makes it unsuitable for residential development due to noise pollution and access issues, at an already busy junction.

- "Compulsory purchase powers" required on this site would further increase the costs to the planning process. In addition the economic viability of Tachbrook Hill Farm may be compromised.

- There has not been an appropriate solution found in reference to the Sewerage Disposal. A mains connected sewer is preferable, but it is stated in the consultation document that this is "unlikely".


GT06: Land at Park Farm/Spinney Farm - Object

- There is the potential for viable agricultural fields to be dissected, through use of only the "central section" of the site.

- The consultation document points out that whilst the site is within Flood Zone 1, 'There is however an ordinary watercourse running through the centre of the site and along the eastern boundary for which no modelling has been undertaken. This could affect the capacity of the site for development and therefore further assessment needs to be undertaken prior to allocation.' The potential contamination of this watercourse from the gypsy and traveller site should be taken into consideration given the possibility of contamination of the River Avon.

- The consultation document highlights possible contamination issues relating to a former landfill site, this will reduce the developable area, making the site less viable.

- Again the site's proximity to major roads A452 and A425, with accompanying road noise pollution and access issues make this site unsuitable for residential purposes. The consultation document states, 'There may also be noise issues connected with proximity to Warwick By-Pass depending on where exactly the site is located'

- "Compulsory purchase powers" required on this site would further increase the costs to the planning process. In addition the economic viability of Park Farm/Spinney Farm may be compromised.

- Increased level of healthcare required by the Gypsy and Traveller community will put pressure on the local GP Surgery, which currently only runs on a part time basis.

- There has not been an appropriate solution found in reference to the Sewerage Disposal. A mains connected sewer is preferable, but it is stated in the consultation document that this is "unlikely".

GT15: Land east of Europa Way - Object


- Bishops Tachbrook School is already over subscribed, however the consultation document states that 'Children living on this site would secure places over children at a greater distance.' This disadvantages other permanent residents in the village.

- There are no footpaths connecting to this site, therefore pedestrian access will be dangerous as peak travel times, with the potential for increased accidents.

- Increased level of healthcare required by the Gypsy and Traveller community will put pressure on the local GP Surgery, which currently only runs on a part time basis.

- There has not been an appropriate solution found in reference to the Sewerage Disposal. A mains connected sewer is preferable, but it is stated in the consultation document that this is "unlikely".

- Site is located close to a busy road, this makes it unsuitable for residential development due to noise pollution and there are access issues, at an already busy junction/main road into Leamington and Warwick.

GTalt01: Brookside Willows, Banbury Road - Comments

- This site does have footpath access to the town centre of Warwick and its facilities.

- The Tachbrook runs along this site and therefore there may be potential contamination of the Brook and River Avon.

- The consultation document highlights possible contamination issues relating to a former landfill site, this will reduce the developable area, making the site less viable and unsuitable for residential use.

- The site is well screened from the road and more of the infrastructure is already in place.

- This site already has planning for a Caravan Site

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