Noise concerns over L’Aumone clos build
AN INCREASE in noise and a lack of privacy are worries that have been raised by those near the planned housing development close to L’Aumone traffic lights.
A new clos of nine houses could be built in the garden of L’Aumone House, if planning permission is granted.
Access to the clos would be through a single drive next to the end of the garden of the bungalow Petit Lande on Rue du Friquet.
The new development would back on to Maison L’Aumone and Maison de Quetteville care homes.
Methodist Homes Ltd own those properties.
Elaine Collas, chairwoman of the board of directors, said that it was not against the plans outright, but had written to the Development & Planning Authority expressing concerns over noise levels and privacy.
‘In Maison de Quetteville there are approximately 40 residents, who all live with Alzheimer’s and are easily confused by noise,’ she said.
‘The development would no doubt increase noise levels, so it is our duty to be proactive on our residents’ behalf.’
She was also worried that some of the planned builds would be tall enough to overlook into the care homes’ garden.
‘In the planning application it says that some of the houses will be 2.5 storeys tall, which essentially means they will be three storeys tall and therefore quite high.
‘On the ground level privacy wouldn’t be a concern for our residents, it’s only when the houses reach over two storeys that it would be an issue.’
She added that a line of trees in the care homes’ garden could help to alleviate some of the privacy concerns.
Richard Moullin, who lives directly in front of the garden of L’Aumone House, said he had no objections to the planned layout of the development.
‘I don’t mind it and can’t see much wrong with it. The only thing that I can potentially see being a problem is cars hurtling down Rectory Hill and not slowing down while somebody is trying to pull out of the proposed new gateway.
‘It could make accessing the clos dangerous, but it doesn’t bother me personally.’
He added that the potential increase in traffic as a result of the development did not concern him.
‘There are queues every Saturday along Rue du Friquet anyway, we are used to it.’
‘Someone always moans every time a planning application is submitted, but I’m not against this one.’
Fellow resident Michael McGinn said that he was supportive of the plans, so long as the houses being built were affordable.
‘We need more housing on the island but we also need to make it so that young families can afford to buy them.’
He said a potential increase in traffic and noise would not bother him.
‘It’s already a busy road along here, and I’m a heavy sleeper anyway.’
