This could be another Leale’s Yard – resident doubts build will happen
NOT everyone who lives near the proposed Braye Road access to a site in the Saltpans where 150 homes could be built is convinced it will ever happen.
Chef Ian Carre, 51, said it was a similar situation to what had happened – or maybe not happened – at the nearby former Leale’s Yard.
‘We’ve been here for more than 20 years and they’ve been talking about it since then, but so far nothing’s ever happened,’ he said.
‘They built houses on the former Coq du Nord site and I’m not even sure all of those have been sold yet.’
A draft development framework for the area has been published for consultation which is open until 28 May.
Under the proposal, the only vehicular access to the site would be in Braye Road, opposite the States houses, which would involve the removal of a single storey extension to the eastern side of a dwelling that is owned by the developer.
Mr Carre said it was a shame the States wanted to centre all developments such as this in the same part of the island.
‘A plan for access to a site opposite Braye Road Garage was rejected not long ago, so why should they get it here?’ he said.
‘I don’t think the environmentalists will be happy as there’s a big wetland in the site.’
Shane de Carteret, 56, has lived near to what is now the proposed access for 30 years.
‘It was obvious when the vinery disappeared that they were looking to do something with the site,’ he said.
‘From a planning point of view it’s a question of sucking up another area of open land and there’s a feeling of inevitability about it.
‘I understand the need for more housing and that’s fine if the island continues to be prosperous. But if it doesn’t there might not be the open land left and I don’t think we should be creating another Gibraltar.’
Betty Browning, 86, has lived in the area since 1974.
‘They are already building another 51 homes in Tertre Lane and it can be difficult enough to get out of gateways here as it is,’ she said.
‘Most families nowadays have more than one car.
‘I don’t think it’s an appropriate site anyway as it’s below sea level, so I don’t know what they plan to do about drainage.’
Peter Gallienne, 74, who is retired, said if it had to be, it had to be.
‘It’s not as if everybody would be coming and going from there at the same time,’ he said.
‘But if they are going to do something then it should be done properly.
‘I wouldn’t like to see rows of shoebox-type homes there.’
