‘Triangle field’ neighbours say their voices should be heard
TREMENDOUS strength of feeling on the ‘triangle field’ is being ignored, say neighbouring residents as an appeal goes ahead without the chance for them to make a comment.
A couple of residents who turned up at Thursday’s Tree Protection Order appeal hearing on La Pointe field in the Vale feared the worst.
One resident said she had been involved in the case against the development of the field since the beginning.
She was disappointed to find out that the public could not add to the appeal and make their feelings known.
‘There is a tremendous strength of feeling on the island’s green spaces and the need to protect them,’ she said.
‘It is strange that there is no opportunity for members of the public to have their say in this appeal, especially as the resulting decision is something that would directly affect us.’
The TPO is stopping the development of six houses.
The appeal saw representatives from the Development & Planning Authority defend the order while the appellant, Hillstone Guernsey Ltd, which bought the land in 2018 for £420,000, argued for its removal.
Both parties discussed the reasons for the order placed on 46 trees, including European ashes, sycamores and black poplars, including their amenity to the area.
John Le Hegarat said after attending the appeal he felt that the decision to protect the trees would be overturned and this would lead to the development of potentially six houses on the land.
‘I really think we should be able to make our feelings heard,’ said Mr Hegarat.
‘As residents in the area and as islanders as a whole this is a huge issue, there should be something done to allow us to be involved because it is important.
‘The developers cut two of the trees down already and they are trees exactly where the entrance to the development would be,’ he said. ‘I just think they’re now going to overturn the order on procedural grounds and that will mean the end of another green space.’
States arboricultural officer Andrew McCutcheon had found that the two trees were diseased and in need of urgent felling and this was done in August by order of the director of planning services.
Both residents were keen for the new States to make changes to allow islanders an opportunity to have their say at an appeal.
‘It will be too late for us but it is the principle of the matter,’ added one of the residents.
‘The general public should have a voice on their green spaces.’
A report on Thursday’s appeal and decision is likely to be completed in three weeks’ time.
