Path and bridge will link key worker housing to nature area

A path and bridge are part of the plans for the new development on the former CI Tyres site.

At this week’s open planning meeting, members of the Development & Planning Authority praised the idea.

But one of those objecting to the plans was worried that allowing people to walk from the site to Montville Drive would have ‘a catastrophic impact’ on what he said was one of the most protected areas of biodiversity importance in the island.

There was a concern that people would be having barbecues in the area, playing loud music and having parties and perhaps taking drugs.

‘Granting direct access to this area will turn it into their back yard and playground,’ he said.

Trees in the area had preservation orders placed on them in 2014 and the entire area is classed as an area of biodiversity importance in the Island Development Plan.

But DPA members said that they believed allowing people access to Montville and the wooded area would be a good way of allowing them access to nature.

There was some discussion of putting a condition into the plans to have a sign at the Charroterie entrance to the path notifying people that it was there, but members voted by a majority not to impose this.

However, it was pointed out that the Guernsey Housing Association could put a sign there if it wanted to.