Eyesore pylons upset Grande Mare neighbours
RESIDENTS close to La Grande Mare golf course have reacted angrily after the erection of more than a dozen pylons on the grounds, calling them a 'hideous eyesore'.
The stainless steel columns, some of which are 30m high, will support netting around the driving range and were erected within a few hours on Thursday, leaving residents shell-shocked.
‘It is completely ruining a large part of Guernsey’s landscape in one go,’ said Efrem Cockett, whose property overlooks the driving range.
‘Correspondence from LGM confirms that nothing like this was ever visualised to this degree. So planning permission must have been given based on more vague representation of these nets. Had the neighbours and the wider island seen an accurate representation, then I’m sure many more people would have objected.’
A La Grande Mare spokesman said that it was important to highlight that this was the first step in the creation of this part of the redevelopment.
‘We appreciate that the pylons are currently very visible but ask for patience at this time, as we are confident that once the project is complete, it will be a place for all islanders to enjoy and be proud of,’ he said.
‘We remain in regular communication with neighbours and members to keep them updated with progress and planned works.
‘The pylon foundations now need to settle and then landscaping will begin later this year during what is the optimal time for tree planting. An extensive landscaping scheme has been designed for the whole development which will see 10,000 trees and shrubs planted.’
The pylons are 10m higher than similar ones around the driving range at St Pierre Park and can be seen from beauty spots more than mile away all around Vazon Bay.
Several residents said they had complained that morning to the douzaine and to planning.
Castel constable Kelvin Hudson confirmed that he and staff had fielded a number of calls and emails within a few hours of the pylons going up.
‘We are reviewing the situation and understand that planning are also looking into the matter,’ he said.
‘Up to now the developers have been exemplary, and as a douzaine we have little power but to monitor the situation.’
