No new arguments in P&R’s fresh bid, says Falla
EXTRA information on the planning application to build key worker housing on a greenfield by the hospital has failed to sway one of the plan’s biggest opponents.
Policy & Resources is trying to get permission to build 66 units on Le Bordage Seath field, despite the planners pushing back earlier this year, arguing that new developments should be on brownfield sites.
The latest documents state that this is the best site for the housing, and delaying the construction would lead to pressure on Health & Social Care, as it struggled to recruit staff and had to pay for temporary staff.
However, Deputy Steve Falla, who has been leading the campaign to save the green space, said he was unsure what new information was in the application.
‘To me, it looks like the same information delivered with a lot more words,’ he said.
‘Importantly there are no new arguments that address the considerable hurdles imposed by the S5 policy [showing that the proposal is of strategic importance] which this application relies on.’
He said he stood by the view that this development was not absolutely necessary.
‘We already have the Braye Lodge and CI Tyres sites coming on stream for keyworkers and there are other brownfield sites on the P&R scoring list,’ he said.
‘I can’t believe that five out of their top six preferred sites are fields. P&R themselves admit in their submission that the valley field would be challenging to develop because of ground conditions, environmental issues and cost.’
It will now be down to the planners to look at the proposals and see how they fit against planning policies.
Deputy Falla said it was not a case of persuading the planners using lots of words.
‘They are bound to look at everything in the round, including the very strict criteria attached to the S5 policy and the representations made when the outline planning application first went in,’ he said.
He said he would be reiterating his objection.
‘I am pleased that the DPA has confirmed that the record number of 350 representations already made still stand and will be factored in when this matter is reviewed by the authority,’ he said.
‘If other objectors wish to submit their views on this latest information I would encourage them to do so before the closing date of 25 October.’
The amended application can be viewed online at gov.gg/liveplanningapplications. The application reference number is OP/2022/2321.
