Guernsey Electricity to rent Cognon Lane homes to staff

The homes at Cognon Lane, which connects La Hougue Jehannet to La Hure Mare Rd, have been unoccupied since 2015 after residents complained about noise and vibration from the neighbouring power station.

They belong to Guernsey Electricity, which has repaired and refurbished the properties over the past year.

The work included roofing and window repairs, updating electrics and internal decoration. This will continue over the coming months, but a first member of staff is moving into one property where work has been completed.

‘This allows us to support our workforce – making use of what would otherwise be a vacant asset – and also play a part in reducing the continued pressure on housing on-island,’ said GE’s CEO Alan Bates. ‘Employees who rent a property owned by Guernsey Electricity along Cognon Lane will do so via an agreement which is very clear about its proximity to the power station.’

Deputy Neil Inder raised the issue of the empty houses last year and said he was delighted at the news that the houses were to be lived in again, particularly after being told by the States Trading Supervisory Board that it could be too difficult and there were planning issues involved.

‘It’s remarkable when you have someone like Mr Bates who recognises that the issue exists and has managed to find his way through it,’ said Deputy Inder.

He had been shown around the houses and said that five of the seven were ready to be occupied.

‘They look absolutely fantastic,’ he said.

With about 220 employees GE was like a microcosm of the island, with its own housing issues, he said.

‘We have a housing problem and the fact that they can release five units to their staff has got to be a good thing. I commend the GE board for getting on with the job.’