Hure Mare build plan is madness, says Vale deputy
PERMITTING building at La Hure Mare would be ‘madness’, a Vale deputy has said.
A draft development framework has been released for Le Maresquet Field which suggests that 21-38 residential units could be built there.
Vale deputy Mary Lowe has been involved with potential development at the La Hure Mare Road site previously and objected vigorously.
‘Building so close to the power station, right by one property purchased opposite by Guernsey Electricity almost 22 years ago and more recently seven more properties Guernsey Electricity had to purchase owing to health problems experienced by residents as a result of noise and vibration issues living in five of the eight properties – to permit more building in this area is madness.
‘I will be sending a letter of objection and hope the States have learnt something from the millions of pounds spent buying eight properties at a huge cost.
‘It’s also worth remembering that building two high walls at Guernsey Electricity did zilch to address the noise and vibration issues – will suggesting another high wall, this time on the green field site to protect the properties from the power station, really work when history shows otherwise?’
A noise assessment has been released as part of the framework consultation.
Sound Solution Consultants Ltd was commissioned by Sunnyside Developments to do the assessment.
It found that the site is currently exposed to sound levels, when the power station is in operation, of 10dB above background when measured at a position at the sensitive southern facade.
‘It is considered that the sound climate of the proposed development site should not be a prohibitive factor to the granting of planning permission for a residential development,’ the consultants said.
‘When considering the full context of the site and by adopting practicable noise control design and construction methods, an appropriate level of residential amenity for existing and potential residents can be attained.’
It also conducted vibration testing, stating there was a ‘low likelihood of adverse comment from vibration’.
Chloe Price, 18, who lives in Summerfield Road – next to La Hure Mare – said: ‘I think it could either be a good or a bad thing. I have no reason to be against it if the housing will be cheap, maybe for first-time buyers.
‘It may help some of the shops on the Bridge as well, if more people are living near the area, meaning businesses will have more of a chance to succeed and flourish.’
One resident, 35, of La Hure Mare Road who recently moved back in after 22 years said: ‘It is a ridiculous idea to build on it.
‘It is a shame, it’s a small patch of green and when I was a little kid there were always different animals in there. Every little patch of green, they [the States] want to build on.
‘I think the Vale School is pretty full already and there is a lot of traffic. Well, it is a lot busier than when I was a child. It doesn’t matter where they put the entrance or exit for the new site, there is still going to be congestion.
‘Between these houses and those houses [the ones on the other side of the property] is a small patch of land and they want to cram buildings on it. It is bound to have an effect on all people.’
