The Against Committee's Objections
- The Council have identified a residual requirement of 54 pitches for East Cambridgeshire with reference to the East of England Plan Regional Spatial Strategy. This was abolished by the Coalition Government on the 6th July in favour of determining requirements at local level. The requirement of 54 residual pitches therefore no longer applies.
- The Council's last assessment of the need for gypsy sites was conducted back in 2007 and is therefore out of date and should not be relied upon.
- The proposal would cause a detrimental impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring dwellings in Heath Road, Cage Hill and Mill Road.
- The site would have a detrimental impact on the nearby Devils Dyke (approximately 1000 metres away) which is a scheduled Ancient Monument and Site of Special Scientific Interest. This would be contrary to the Council's own Core Strategy policies CS 6, EN 1, EN 5, EN 6 & EN 8.
- The site would have a detrimental impact on the nearby Windmill (approximately 235 metres away) which is a Grade II Listed building and also the village Conservation Area ( about 310 metres away). This would be contrary to the Council's own Core Strategy policies EN 1 & EN 5
- The site would have a harmful impact on and discourage trade to the established businesses situated in Heath Road which provide an important source of local employment. This would be contrary to the Council's own Core Strategy policy EC 1.
- The proposal would have a detrimental effect on the quality and attractiveness of the village thereby reducing tourist/visitor numbers. This will in turn affect the viability of the village tourist accommodation and pub
- The site is situated close to the village whereas gypsies and travellers have a desire for separation from the settled community to retain privacy and cultural identity.
- The village primary school would be unable to cope with the varying pupil numbers due to issues of funding and lack of resources.
- The choice of the site appears to be principally driven by its availability.