Facts ‘do not back up’ claim housing focused in north
FACTS do not bear out the narrative that development has been focused in the north of the island, Housing Action Group chairman Peter Roffey has said.
The statement comes following confirmation that the States is buying Kenilworth Vinery off Braye Road for affordable housing.
But the road has seen significant development in the last decade, with more than 70 new homes either finished or being constructed on the road in the last 10 years across six sites.
Deputy Roffey said he appreciated the concerns about development.
‘We know that housing is a significant issue for the whole island and this development can help, but we also know that people naturally don’t want further development close to them,’ he said.
‘We also know there is a general narrative of developments focused in the north of the island. While the facts don’t bear this narrative out in terms of actual properties developed in recent years, it is factual that the main centres identified for development are in St Peter Port, the Vale and St Sampson’s. We are mindful of needing to balance the needs of the whole island for more affordable housing, with those of localised communities understandably wary of development on their doorstep.’
Braye Road has seen several large developments in recent years, with 12 homes created on the Coq du Nord site in 2014 and work underway to create 51 sheltered housing units on the site bordered by Rue du Tertre.
There have also been several smaller scale developments, with six flats created on Cleveleys Vinery, five apartments on a site opposite Braye Road Garage and two houses on the field by the junction with La Mares Pellees.
Kenilworth is a low-lying site, which was covered by high tides until its reclamation in 1808.
The development framework notes that the majority of the site is within a 1 in 50-year flood risk area. The flood risk relates to coastal flooding from overtopping at the Bridge, but the site may also be susceptible to surface water flooding from rainfall. Coastal defence measures are being investigated by the States which would mitigate but not eliminate the flood risk in this area. There are no significant changes in land levels between the site and adjoining
land.
The entire site does not exceed five metres above sea level.
The site currently has access from all three roads that surround three sides of it, but the development framework said the opportunity to create access onto Lowlands Road or Saltpans Road was limited.
