Delight for campaigners as war memorial plans pulled
A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to move the Smith Street war memorial and create a piazza at the Sunken Gardens has been withdrawn by the Education, Sport & Culture committee, after politicians decided they did not have enough information about the project and that it was beyond their remit.
The project was drawn up by the St Paul's Regeneration Committee, but was sponsored by the States committee, who also submitted the planning application in April.
But new ES&C president Deputy Paul Le Pelley – who took on the post in May – said they were having second thoughts.
'The planning application was submitted by the former Culture and Leisure Department board,' he said.
'Having had the opportunity to discuss it, members of the new Committee for Education, Sport & Culture decided against continuing with the sponsorship of the proposed development.
'The committee recognises that the private group behind the plans are able to re-submit the application independent of government sponsorship, and believe that is the most suitable avenue for these proposals.
'We wish them well with their endeavours.'
Katina Jones has been campaigning to stop the plans and squealed with joy when she was told the scheme had been withdrawn.
'I'm so delighted,' she said.
