Gypsy and Traveller Site Options

Dear Sir
NEW LOCAL PLAN-SITES FOR GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS

We are writing to object to the new local plan in respect of the site proposed for Gypsies and Travellers at GT02 land abutting the Fosse Way at its junction with the B425.

Fosse Alpaca and Kune Kune Pigs, a Division of Helle-Lorentzen Limited, farm land near to the above proposed site for the breeding and sale of rare breed livestock.

We have built up our alpaca herd over the last 10 years and it currently stands at 35 animals. Our herd consists of 13 stud males, including champion show animals, 2 male wethers, and 20 females with cria at foot. The value of our herd is currently £180-200,000 and the animals provide us with income from products made from their fleece.

We are members of the British Alpaca Society and British Kune Kune Pig Society and our herds are part of the recognised National Herds. As alpaca and kune kune owners with valuable animals we are extremely conscious of bio-security and the need to protect our animals from diseases such as foot and
mouth, bTB and parvo virus. These diseases can be spread by human trespass and rogue animals such as cats and dogs. In particular young cats carry a virus which is known to cause abortion in most mammals. Our primary objection to the proposed site is that its nearby proximity to our farm exposes us to uncontrolled access by unvaccinated dogs and cats and human trespass from possible contaminated sources. Further we birth alpaca cria each year and the possible abortion of cria due to stress from dogs and cats, or human trespass, would incur financial loss and considerable distress.

Our second objection is that the site, which may be used for commercial activity (as yet undefined as suitable or contributing to sustainability) cannot be satisfactorily integrated into the local landscape which is of an agricultural and rural nature with long established farming operations. We annually exhibit our animals at local events such as the Myton Hospice Fete Day, Saltisford Canal
Trust Heritage Weekend and the Xmas Craft Fair at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.

Our third objection is that the travellers' site would have a major negative impact upon the economic success of the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre and the amount of exhibitors and visitors it draws in nationally, and the valuable income these visitors produce for the local community. It is more than likely that the impact of the site would put the financial security of the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre in
jeopardy with the possibility of lost jobs and in addition lost income for other local businesses such as B&B's, hotels, shops and public houses.

Our fourth objection is that there is no convenient access to a GP surgery. The nearest one is full and the nearest alternative is some 5 miles away. Therefore we are of the opinion that the proposed site cannot avoid placing undue pressure on the local infrastructure and services. Our fifth objection is that there is no safe access to public transport. Whilst there is a bus-stop in the verge on the adjacent B425 this is buried in the grass verge with no proper safe hard-standing or shelter.

Both the B425 and Fosse Way are fast main through routes and the numerous traffic warning signs tell their own story as to the hazards faced by pedestrians and motorists. In conclusion, we can only come to the view that the proposed site is totally unsatisfactory for the proposed use as a travellers' site and will only be of detriment to the local businesses, local economy and of great harm to the character of the area and its community.