ipswich.gov.uk

The proposed site is an inappropriate and unnecessary development of a green-field site that currently provides a narrow "green-belt" between Ipswich and Bramford. The reasons for eliminating other sites under consideration seems to be because they are required for "housing need". This is a spurious argument as surely a travellers site is a form of housing need? The study also seems biased towards the west side of Ipswich as only one site has been looked at on the east. I cannot believe that there are no other sites better positioned on "brown-field" or other sites within the Borough of Ipswich.
The plan also emphasises that this side of Ipswich already has two travellers sites one on the boundary of Bramford village and in Henniker Road but ignores the fact that planning permission has been granted for a private family site within Bramford itself (B1113 opposite Runcton Farm). I feel that this village (and this part of Ipswich) is having to bear too many travellers sites and therefore any further provision should be placed elsewhere.
The proposed site is not only very close to a busy, noisy major road but also in it's shadow. No housing development would be ever be allowed here so I cannot understand how a permanent residential caravan site can be seen to be appropriate.
The vehicle access to this site has poor visibility due to the bend in the road and the position of the flyover supports. The road is a busy one especially at rush hour and, in addition, a number of vehicles access the two entrances to businesses just opposite.
Finally I consider the social impact on the community is likely to be significant and cannot be ignored. There is a fear of anti-social and criminal behaviour and that there are no realistic or effective controls over who may visit this site and wish stay in the immediate area. In short the concern is that it would increase the risk of illegal encampments as have already been experienced in this area recently.
While Ipswich Borough are now doubt trying to meet their responsibilities under this policy I see no evidence of "working together" with other planning authorities. In fact I can see little evidence of any efforts being made by neighbouring authorities to help meet this provision.
Babergh and Suffolk Coastal District Councils in particular should be urged to contribute their share to this issue. It can be argued that Mid Suffolk have at least made some contribution albeit by allowing a private development in Bramford.