How roads will cope remains biggest Leale’s Yard concern

People interested in the plans are proving to be positive about the building of 320 new homes, but less so about how the surrounding roads will cope with more traffic.

More than 500 people were estimated to have attended a drop-in organised by the Co-op on Friday and Saturday.

Jamie Loughlin attended with his partner, James Dumbleton, to take a deeper look at the plans.

‘It appears that lots of people have the same concerns over traffic and I think there needs to be a dedicated transport link between the Bridge and Town,’ said Mr Loughlin,

‘With all the proposed housing the current travel system just wouldn’t be able to cope, but they’ve got three years to sort it out now.’

The couple suggested a dedicated continuous cycle route or tram service connecting the two centres together to limit extra cars on the roads in the area.

‘People always say they’ll cycle instead of drive – until it rains,’ said Mr Dumbleton.

‘A travel strategy for the whole island is really quite important and would link it all together.’

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Channel Island Co-operative CEO Mark Cox explained how a planned shared mobility scheme would contribute to the affordability of the housing, as well as easing the strain on traffic.

‘The shared mobility part of the scheme will mean that people won’t have to own a car and there will be electric cars on site that can be rented by the hour.

‘If you’re a young person buying your first home and you don’t have to buy a parking space and you don’t have to buy a car, then it becomes more affordable from that sense as well.

‘People will be able to access cycle paths that take them through the site which means more connectivity, rather than having to cycle the whole way around.’

Mr Cox noted positive feedback all weekend, both in person and via an online survey, where 87% of respondents were in favour of the scheme and left positive comments.

‘Hearing people’s experiences first-hand is great – we’ve had neighbours in to discuss how the scheme will potentially impact them, and so getting feedback from the community is really important,’ said Mr Cox.

‘Based on the feedback we’ve had at the drop-in, and in meetings during the week with deputies and douzeniers, there’s an overwhelming need for housing, and a need to give young people hope that one day they can get housing on the island.’