Sustainability and Chouet just some of topics being discussed
PEOPLE were given the opportunity to speak to members of the Development & Planning Authority at an informal drop-in session at the Town Market’s Inner Street on Saturday.
Politicians were asked questions on a range of subjects by islanders from various backgrounds.
Builder Thomas Hearne said he wanted to know more about the different planning policies.
‘I’ve got a site at the moment which I’d like to develop and I want to know how far I can take it,’ he said.
Accountant Hansen Canagareddy was asking questions on a different topic.
‘I wanted to know more about sustainable development in Guernsey,’ he said.
‘I wanted to know if there are incentives for people to go for sustainable development with more environmentally friendly materials and things such as solar panels, rather than traditional forms of construction.’
Mr Canagareddy said he had been told that any decision on that would be for the States of Deliberation as a whole.
Barry Duerden from EVieBike Guernsey and a member of the Better Journeys Project which promotes sustainable travel thought the drop-in had been a good idea.
‘Environmental and transport aspects are all to do with planning,’ he said.
‘This is a chance to speak to deputies on a one-to-one basis and understand their thinking.’
Gold accredited tour guide Sylvia Brouard wanted to speak to someone about what she considered to be a planning breach in the Cobo area where she does many of her tours.
Edward Atter, retired, who lives near Amarreurs Harbour, said he was concerned about plans to create a new quarry at Chouet.
‘We have already put two objections in and now Ronez’ original planning application has been changed,’ he said.
‘They now want to put a stone crusher on site from the start and lorries will be taking crushed stone from Chouet to Les Vardes via L’Islet crossroads.
‘That’s a small and busy junction and we think it will be dangerous.
‘They also plan to put screening for the noise across the back of Roc Salt but we don’t think that’s enough and the noise will still come our way.’
D&PA president Victoria Oliver thought the drop-in had been a success and believed it would be repeated.
‘It was great to see so many people turn up,’ she said.
‘We had a broad range of topics to discuss and we hope we were able to provide a bit of insight and guidance.
‘Overall it was well worth holding the event to give islanders the opportunity to come and see us and we will look to do so again in the future.’
She said decisions taken regarding development and planning had an impact on most, if not all, islanders at some point in their lives, whether it was to do with their own homes or potential new developments.
