Parc Le Lacheur ‘to help meet need for housing’
PARC LE LACHEUR will bring real progress in helping islanders who cannot afford a home, Guernsey Housing Association chief executive Steve Williams has said.
A detailed planning application for 131 new homes at the former Kenilworth Vinery on the Vale/St Sampson’s boundary was published on Thursday, with a mix of social rental and partial ownership for local residents. The development aims to house single people, couples and some families, which reflects the make-up of the more than 500 households on waiting lists for affordable housing.
Most of the properties will be offered to local residents, many of whom may already be living in the northern parishes but in unsuitable accommodation.
‘This planning application is a further step forward in our efforts to make real progress towards meeting the housing needs of people in the island who cannot afford or find suitable accommodation that meet their household requirements,’ said Mr Williams.
‘As is the case with all the developments we are currently progressing, we recognise the need to improve surrounding infrastructure and the creation of a large park for public use, alongside cycle and walking routes in the surrounding area, which will support the wider community.’
The site was purchased for £6.5m. in November 2021 with funds agreed by the Policy & Resources Committee, with the support of Employment & Social Security.
ESS president Peter Roffey welcomed the new plans.
‘While the location of developments will always be a source of debate, it is universally agreed that Guernsey needs more housing and this site has long been identified by the planners as one suitable for housing,’ he said.
‘These plans – and those for other housing developments – show the priority this States, working closely with the GHA, has put on meeting Guernsey’s housing crisis.
‘More needs to be done as soon as possible but this represents a significant part of the response. I am particularly pleased to see the plans for a significant area of parkland.
‘Those areas of Guernsey which are being asked to help bear the burden of extra housing must also receive better amenities as part of the package.’
The plans also include a proposal for a large public park to be created with an emphasis on biodiversity and which all islanders will be able to use.
Environment & Infrastructure president Lindsay de Sausmarez said the plans did spark concerns about traffic impact and the loss of green spaces.
‘When some of our current road infrastructure doesn’t adequately support the communities it serves, of course people will be concerned by the prospect of more development,’ she said.
‘However, we desperately need more housing – and we also need better infrastructure. That’s why plans being developed for these sites all include significant improvements to infrastructure, and we’re also looking in the round at road infrastructure in the north, which will act as a catalyst for a comprehensive approach to transport connectivity. The aim is to improve the range of transport options for people in the area by making more means of travel safer, more convenient and more attractive.’
She welcomed the public park plans.
Some proposed new homes may be used for key worker accommodation to help ensure that staff essential for the island’s health service have appropriate housing. Some of the site may also be developed as specialised supported housing for adults with learning difficulties.
‘However, we desperately need more housing – and we also need better infrastructure. That’s why plans being developed for these sites all include significant improvements to infrastructure, and we’re also looking in the round at road infrastructure in the north, which will act as a catalyst for a comprehensive approach to transport connectivity.
‘The aim is to improve the range of transport options for people in the area by making more means of travel safer, more convenient and more attractive.’
She welcomed the public park plans.
Some proposed new homes may be used for key worker accommodation to help ensure that staff essential for the island’s health service have appropriate housing.
Some of the site may also be developed as specialised supported housing for adults with learning difficulties.
