Beaucamps plans too big for the site – douzaine

After meeting to discuss the proposals put forward by Education, the douzaine has raised its concerns.

The douzaine is a non-political body made up of elected members from the parish. It therefore believes that it is not appropriate to enter the political debate and comment on the new school structure but has responded to planning proposals and the traffic impact assessment for the site.

Parishioners were encouraged to attend the regular surgery held with Castel deputies to voice their objections or support of the planning proposals.

Another meeting was held to consider the planning application, the traffic impact assessment and representations from some residents of the parish regarding the proposed expansion.

The douzaine has also formulated its response to the Development & Planning Authority.

Following the douzaine meeting, dean of the douzaine Mick Fooks said: ‘We believe that the proposed development at Les Beaucamps is disproportionate to the size of the land available and the douzaine have concerns about the management of traffic which does not seem to have been properly considered or assessed.

‘The expansion of the school may appear feasible, but the douzaine believes that the loss of existing amenities at the school is unacceptable, particularly the loss of outdoor spaces. We will be reflecting these views in our response to the DPA.’

Castel residents who have contacted the douzaine to submit their own views have been informed to write to the planning department before the deadline tomorrow.

Concerns about the accuracy of the statistics and data contained within the traffic impact assessment have been raised by the douzaine, as well as highlighting the fact that the action points rely on a considerable change in culture to ‘park and stride’ to school instead of drop-offs right outside.

The douzaine has welcomed the assurance that ESC will continue to consult with them and residents who live near Les Beaucamps High School as matters progress.