Traffic concerns raised over plans for business park

The site off Route Militaire had been earmarked for the Guernsey Data Park and was sold to RED Fund, a real estate developer backed by private investors with Channel Island links.

In October, it was reported that the new owners viewed the site as a ‘blank canvas’ and wanted to hear from any businesses looking for industrial units so that the RED Fund could design a scheme which meets demand.

Constables of the two northern parishes said that now the site could be developed for manufacturing, distribution and storage or fulfilment, there were clear implications for traffic.

Vale constable Richard Leale and St Sampson’s constable Paul Le Pelley said RED Fund’s involvement could significantly change what was originally approved, to the detriment of both parishes.

‘When a data park was proposed we envisaged staff being required there more on a nightwatchman basis,’ said Mr Le Pelley.

‘Now, we have no definite idea of what’s going on or what the area is finally going to be used for.’

Mr Leale also expressed reservations about the change of ownership and the RED Fund’s invitation to businesses to suggest what the site could be used for because of the implications of how the area could ultimately be used.

Both senior constables said that this was not blanket opposition to any development in the parish but they were worried about the traffic impact and how that would affect the already overloaded Crossways junction lights if the site was used for something other than a data park.

The two parish officials, who have agreed that Vale and St Sampson’s should work closely over the application, have also questioned the level of synchronisation between the data park application, Leale’s Yard and housing development areas that have been identified in planning frameworks.

A spokesman for RED Fund said there were no definite plans for the future make-up of the Guernsey Business Park, as was explained to the St Sampson’s constables and douzeniers when a RED Fund representative met them at the end of October.

‘The recent consultation aimed to understand what the demand was from local businesses and we will only be considering those who made a formal enquiry and not any suggestions made on social media.

‘The site is zoned as a Key Industrial Area, which identifies what it can be used for, and any revised plans will need to be approved by the relevant authorities.’

The spokesman said communication is being made with the Planning Department and Traffic as part of the consultation.

n More information can be found on the Vale parish website, www.valeparish.gg/news/north-parishes-reservations-over-business-park-plans/