Gypsy site plan for Campion Hills in Leamington

Warwick District Council officers have recommended that the authority’s executive approves a six-week public consultation period commencing on April 29 for the land in Lillington to be used as a site for 15 permanent pitches.

The council-owned site, next to a public BMX track, is on the northern edge of Campion Hills, off Black Lane and Leicester Street.

It has not been considered as a potential site for Gypsies and Travellers until now as it is located within the green belt and had been earmarked as a potential residential site for those displaced by the planned regeneration scheme in Lillington.

The council has since decided it would be too far removed from current housing to be suitable for this use but officers think it could be ideal as a site for the travelling community.

The council’s report says: “The site is considered to be very suitable in that it meets the criteria laid down in Government advice. It is close to schools and amenities including medical facilities and shopping, is on a regular bus route and close to the major road network.”

The council’s chief executive Chris Elliott has pointed out the “proven need” through the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment 2012 - updated last year - for the provision of 31 permanent pitches across Warwick district during the lifetime of the area’s Local Plan up to 2029.

The council has been exploring possible sites for some time now but has so far been unsuccessful in finding land that it suitable, developable and deliverable within the time period.

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