Opposition, but housing on vinery site approved
DOWNSIZED plans to build housing on the La Vallee Vinery site in St Martin's have been given the go-ahead, despite being met with considerable opposition.
Permission was granted for an updated application from the Guernsey Housing Association which had cut the number of properties down to 16.
The initial application, which had put 27 new properties on the site, received 44 letters of representation warning the plans would lead to a variety of issues, including concerns over traffic, noise pollution and over-development of the 'charm and character' of the parish.
Despite the downscaling of the plans, to 16 properties and 32 parking spaces, that also received 21 letters of representation.
While some said the changes were welcome, similar concerns were still expressed by many.
The St Martin's constables said in a statement they were supportive of development, but shared issues over this particular plan.
'The constables are not against the provision of more houses in St Martin's, but do have concerns, along with numerous parishioners, about the density of the development,' they said.
Steve Williams, chief executive of the GHA, said the houses would provide much-needed rented and partial-ownership housing for local people struggling to enter the private sector.
