Objectors heard, but fail to stop development progressing
REPRESENTATIONS from 33 people opposed to the Pointues Rocques development were heard yesterday, as permission was granted with certain conditions.
There were just over 20 speakers in total, with some reading submissions on behalf of others.
La Societe Guernesiaise historic buildings secretary John McCormack said what was proposed for the site was a complete breach of planning policy.
Peter de Garis wanted to know why green spaces seemed to be no longer allowed in St Sampson’s anymore.
‘How do the planners think it feels to live in a concrete jungle?’ he said.
The idea of creating prohibited roads that would make Robergerie Lane and Rue des Pointues Rocques open for the vehicles of residents only was a ridiculous one and unlawful, he said.
DPA president Deputy Victoria Oliver had to step when people began applauding speeches to say it was not allowed.
But fellow Deputy Adrian Gabriel secured possibly the biggest round of applause as he opposed the plans, and separated himself from the Gabriels behind the project, who he said were not connected to him, and the Environment & Infrastructure Committee, which might not share his views, he said.
David Hatcher said the meeting should not be even taking place, as only minor amendments had been made to the plans that were previously refused.
‘They’ve been done on a whim, and hope, and it’s papering over the cracks,’ he said. ‘It’s a pathetic application and the Island Development Plan should be re-visited.’
Speaking on behalf of the Delancey Conservation Committee, he said approving the plans would be tantamount to clearing the site of biodiversity.
Three people spoke in favour of the application – Peter Falla from the architects PF+A which submitted the plans, Robert Plumley, one of the applicants, and Alex Whitmore, speaking on behalf of Steve Williams from the Guernsey Housing Association who had Covid.
Mr Falla said people were entitled to their opinions, but such opposition
should not trump the democratic laws of the island.
The other applicants were Messrs Gabriel, Asparagus Tips Too Ltd, and the GHA.
Judith Le Tissier said she thought the planners had been put ‘in a pickle’ by the decision of a previous States to list the site for building.
Speaking afterwards, Denise Quevatre, from the St Clair’s House Owners Group, said they did feel that their concerns had been listened to. The six flats adjoin the site entrance in Rue des Pointues Rocques.
