Industrial units in lane ‘would set a dangerous precedent’

An application for the work at Stratheden Vinery, Rue du Douit, was first submitted to the Development & Planning Authority last year, but was withdrawn.

Now the application has been submitted again, but those opposed to the plans said the developer was now seeking approval for a change of use which could lead to a broad range of activities taking place on the site.

‘This lane serves as a safe alternative to the busy Route de la Charruee which children, dog walkers, pram pushers, horse riders and cyclists safely frequent,’ said the residents in a statement.

‘The lane is the only safe route from the Castel to the Vale, which would be fractured if the development is approved.’

They said that contravenes the aims of the integrated transport strategy, which seeks to increase the ruette tranquille network, and it also breaches one of the Island Development Plan policies stating that proposals must not jeopardise highway safety and the free flow of traffic.

It had been suggested that the lane could be made one-way, but resident Kate Henning said this would not be a good idea, either.

‘People drive recklessly enough [along here]. If you make it one way it would be like a race track.’

Lane residents Siobhan and Neil Michel said that they had spoken to many other people in the area who were also concerned, as well as the Guernsey Bicycle Group, Living Streets and the walking tours group.

‘Even people in Landes du Marche are up in arms,’ added Miss Henning.

Mr Michel pointed out that the 15mph ruette tranquille speed sign was only a recommendation and the limit in the lane is 35mph.

‘If this application is granted despite failing to meet even the most fundamental criteria at the heart of the IDP in policy OC3 and OC7, then it would set a very dangerous precedent under the IDP for many years to come,’ concluded the residents’ statement.

Vale deputy Mary Lowe is backing the neighbours in their opposition. ‘They may have phrased it [the application] differently, but this does not take away from the fact that it’s for industrial use in a ruette tranquille,’ she said.

In the past there had been accidents where a woman walking was injured and a boy knocked off his bike in the lane.

‘To me, it’s the wrong site to put industrial units. It’s very much a country lane.’

She said the greenhouse was being used up to last year by a small firm growing strawberries and selling hanging baskets, but the tenant was evicted.

‘I’m hoping this can go to an open planning meeting,’ said Deputy Lowe. ‘I’ve had a lot of representations from people who have serious concerns. It’s got to be stopped.’

Architects PF+A drew up the new and previous plans and managing director Peter Falla said that the new ones will provide four container-sized units for use by the two businesses already on the vinery site.

‘The whole thrust of planning on this kind of site is that you can’t do this speculatively,’ he said.

‘It’s really all about tidying up the site. There’s no change apart from clearance of the old glass, landscaping and to house the two people who are there at the moment.’

n The plans can be viewed at Sir Charles Frossard House.