Frossard House parking ‘criminal waste of space’

The site has been suggested as a potential location for a high-rise block of 80-90 flats, which Lindsay de Saumarez said was definitely worth considering.

‘It is inefficiently-used space. One think we know for sure is that we need more housing and that there is a fundamental mismatch between supply and demand.’

While she admitted that high-rise development as a solution to the housing crisis could meet cultural resistance, she said that any housing that meets the demand would likely be welcomed by islanders.

‘It’s not to say there would be no complaints. That’s what makes planning applications so contentious, so certainly there would always be conflicts. Things are never uncontentious when it comes to the practicality of what goes where.’

She said that the space could also be a key option for ‘shared mobility’ – shared transportation, such as Evie electric bicycles.

‘I think it could be a game-changer. The residential area of Town is less likely to have off-street parking. People will rent a space or have to fight for parking, it isn’t as easy for people in that part of Town to own a car.’

For every shared mobility, or ‘car club’ vehicle, there is a reduced need of up to 18.5 privately-owned cars, she said.

‘Even a fraction of that efficiency would free up a lot of space in Guernsey and space in a small island like ours is a really valuable commodity. It would reduce the pressure on parking and make it easier to use space more effectively, potentially meaning we could deliver more much-needed housing too.’

A communal fleet of vehicles could also benefit those working at Frossard House.

‘There is an obvious synergy – people who work in our States offices need to go to different sites, so a States fleet of vehicles would reduce people’s need to drive to work, it would be an asset for the community.'