Parish concerns raised about La Grande Mare redevelopment
HIGH netting and the loss of important marshland are among the concerns raised by Castel parish officials in relation to the proposed redevelopment La Grande Mare Hotel.
A planning application was submitted in February to demolish the existing hotel next to Vazon Bay and erect a country club, 15 tourism lodges and staff accommodation.
But the parish’s concerns focus on the plans for the large grounds.
In a letter to the planning department, constables Kelvin Hudson and Nick Vining said the hotel plans were impressive and the facilities would be attractive to tourists and locals.
Several households contacted the constables to raise concerns.
One concern was the loss important biodiverse land.
Southern parts of the site are classed as Areas of Biodiversity Importance, while to the west is a Site of Special Significance.
ABIs are areas of different habitat types that are of significance to nature conservation in the island, while SSSs are Guernsey’s most important sites for biodiversity.
The constables said they opposed any loss of biodiversity, but welcomed the biodiversity strategy included in the application.
‘The mitigation plan to offset the SSS loss, provide biodiversity gain and improve habitat corridors offers an acceptable means of addressing our concerns,’ they wrote.
‘Nevertheless, we would seek reassurance that the implementation of this plan will include a commitment to maintain the proposed improvements, to monitor the outcomes and record results regarding biodiversity.’
The area is home to 17 rare or threatened insects and 10 rare or threatened plants, according to a 2014 survey of SSS sites.
Much of the area is low-lying and historically was marshland. Parts of the site were drained in the late 20th century, but some are still partial to flooding.
The constables said they were concerned about the agricultural land abutting Rue des Bergers, which would be included in the golf course under the redesign. They noted that this area was prone to flooding and appealed to the applicants to liaise with Guernsey Water and Traffic & Highway services to look at drainage.
‘Any raising of the ground level in this area, without provision for adequate surface waste drainage, could exacerbate flooding in this area,’ they wrote.
‘It appears this land is intended as a teeing area.’
The constables said they were also worried about the 30-metre-high netting proposed for the driving range.
This is higher than fencing at St Pierre Park driving range, where fencing goes up to 20 metres high, with some of it on a five-metre high bank.
‘Whilst we acknowledge the safety requirement necessitating such a structure, we would wish that all efforts be taken to minimise the visual imposition of this feature,’ the constables wrote.
‘Further, we would like assurance that best advice will be followed to protect birds and bats from any potential risk from the netting.’
The planning consultation on the plans has now finished and the proposals are being considered by the planners.
The application shows a long list of consultees, including La Societe Guernesiaise, Education, Sport & Culture, Guernsey Water and Environmental Health.
