‘Not much to talk about’ until detailed plans seen
PARISH authorities are playing a waiting game before passing judgement on plans to develop the Kenilworth Vinery site straddling the Vale and St Sampson’s border.
‘The Guernsey Housing Association hopes to have the official plans submitted by Christmas, but until we see those drafts, there’s not much to talk about,’ said senior St Sampson’s constable Paul Le Pelley.
Vale senior constable Richard Leale agreed that it was difficult to discuss the pros and cons of the development before firm plans are submitted.
‘The devil is in the detail to a certain extent,’ said Mr Leale. ‘I think development is necessary and this site has been earmarked for housing for quite a while.’
He believes the development will provide a number of people with fair quality homes.
‘That can only be a good thing,’ he said.
However, Mr Leale and Mr Le Pelley shared concerns about housing density on the site as well as impacts on traffic in the area, but both have withheld judgement until plans are finalised.
Mr Leale also expressed disappointment that Leale’s Yard, the privately-owned 12-acre brownfield site behind the Bridge, has not been progressed.
‘I’m not party to information and discussions about why the States purchased Kenilworth instead of Leale’s, but I am a bit disappointed because Leale’s Yard has been earmarked for longer. Eventually, I think both sites will be developed.’
