Guernsey Press

Cannabis firm claims plans will not affect neighbours

A CANNABIS cultivation site requires a 2.4m-high security chain-link fence around its entire perimeter, a planning application has revealed.

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A planning application has been submitted by House of Green to erect a security fence around Bellefleur Nursery in Les Martins, St Sampson’s. Home Affairs committee member Deputy Marc Leadbeater, who is working with the company, said the gates were necessary but would not be an eyesore. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 24211402)

Residents have been assured by The House of Green that its proposed cannabis cultivation site will have minimal impact on the surrounding area at the former Bellefleur Nursery, La Grande Maison Road.

After neighbours reacted negatively to the approval of a licence for Celebrated Ltd to begin cultivating cannabis, at a Castel site, it became a priority for The House of Green to ensure minimal change to the existing area.

A spokesperson for The House of Green said: ‘We have done everything that we can to ensure that there will be minimal disruption to our neighbours.

‘We are fortunate that our site is set back from the main road and so will not impact on the surrounding environment from the public’s perspective.’

The spokesman said the security features planned were important.

‘The security that is being put in place is necessary to meet the requirements of the various States committees and will consist of a chain link fence around the site plus cameras and motion activated lights within the site.

‘Care is being taken with the location of the cameras and lights so as not to invade anyone else’s privacy.’

Local residents in the area have been positive about the proposals ‘hopefully bringing some quiet to the area’, citing that the existing plot is often loud with mechanical work, revving motorbikes, and one incident of arson on a boat.

However, concerns were raised about the work which is required and the possible increase in traffic flow on what is a narrow, two-way road.

‘There is no additional building work planned for the site as it already has all of the buildings that we need to operate the business,’ said the spokesperson.

‘We do not anticipate any significant increase in the traffic flows to and from the site and potentially less than would have been the case for a working vinery in the days of the tomato and flower industry.’

Home Affairs committee member Deputy Marc Leadbeater, who is working with the company, said the gates were necessary but would not be an eyesore.

‘I don’t think there would be any issue with the application as it was already a horticultural site. The gates and fence won’t be intrusive and very few people are going to be able to see them anyway.’

He said islanders would not be able to see the fence from the roads.

The site remains in the planning phase but proposals for the fence have been submitted to the States and, if approved, the site aims to be operational in May.