Ports master plan unveiled

NORTH Beach could be lost as a public car park under a dramatic vision to develop the ports released today.

Public Services has published its ports master plan, which also includes a key priority of developing a deep water berth running south from Longue Hougue for cargo and fuel that would cost at least £71m. and up to £143m.

Public Services said that a key requirement at St Peter Port was additional space for commercial freight operations, this would also include a relocated passenger terminal.

'The North Beach Car Park represents a key component of any modernisation and expansion of the commercial port,' the master plan states.

'The area will be required, in part or in full, to allow reconfiguration to meet security requirements and to allow enhanced cargo handling and distribution. However, the existing function as a free public car park is likely to result in strong resistance to change of use.'

The plan sets out a range of future development priorities for St Peter Port and St Sampson's Harbour over the next 25 years that also include better provision for commercial fishermen.

Major projects outlined in the plan will need States approval.

Full details in tomorrow's Guernsey Press.