‘Little Chapel consultation should reopen’
CONSULTATION on plans to transform the Little Chapel should be reopened, the former political lead of planning has said.
The application – to erect an interpretation centre, entrance building and gateway, toilet block and create wheelchair access,footpaths, install railings, benches and erect new signage – should also be decided at an open planning meeting, according to former Development & Planning Authority president John Gollop.
Those behind the application have scrapped one element of the original application, a ‘hobbit hole’ by the car park, to alleviate fears that the area was being ‘Disneyfied’.
The Catholic Dean, Father Bruce Barnes, has spoken out because of the number of representations he has received from islanders worried about a threat to the religious ethos.
The Guernsey Guild of Accredited Guides, taxi drivers and the Guernsey Flower Arranging Society have also come out against the plans.
‘I would agree that access for disabled people needs to be improved, water drainage enhanced and the experience of history and peace enhanced in such a way as to appeal to secular and spiritual pilgrims alike with an enhanced sense of place and conservation,’ said Deputy Gollop.
‘To be honest, it is anomalous that such a star attraction is outside States culture and leisure, heritage services, property and Education, Sport & Culture control.
‘I know Colonel John Silvester is a true Guernseyman who gets things done, as does his able and enthusiastic team, and he has achieved a lot of overdue works and preservation measures and deserves community support. I support his broad vision of access for all and stronger more relevant biodiversity with environmental measures. The enhanced summer bus service should facilitate access too.’
He said that some mediation needs to occur with the taxi drivers, accredited guides, flower arrangers and the clockmakers.
‘But as the application has changed it arguably should be withdrawn and replaced and re-advertised,’ he said.
‘I also think that it is obvious that a world class record-breaking attraction that has stimulated so much debate and controversy must pass the DPA criteria for an open planning meeting. I formally request one to Deputy [Dawn]Tindall [DPA president].’
Consultation on the proposal ended on 12 December.
A site visit by planners took place on 28 November.
Letter from Ann Wragg, trustee of the Little Chapel Foundation, on page 16 of today's Guernsey Press.
