Second drop-in on harbour planning frameworks today
ISLANDERS are being given the chance to comment on the St Peter Port and St Sampson’s harbour planning frameworks at drop-ins this week.
The first event in the Market Building at St Peter Port is being followed by a second public drop-in in St Sampson’s today.
On hand to explain and inform was Hilary Satchwell, a director of Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design, which has drawn up four potential scenarios, with a fifth option to carry on the status quo. Options include moving the commercial ports to Longue Hougue, pedestrianising the St Peter Port Quay and having decks for parking.
‘People want to know how things will work and when it would happen,’ she said.
‘This is an enabling strategy for planning policy, rather than a specific deliverance strategy.
‘There are lots of pressures on the harbour, such as cargo and tourism, pushing against each other. This study will hopefully solve the question of how we want the harbours to work, what they are for and how we want to use them.’
One member of the public showing a keen interest in the plans was restaurant owner Natalia Silvester.
‘We are really interested as it affects our business at the Weighbridge,’ she said.
‘I want them to really consider the long-term benefits of redeveloping the area, which will allow for creative companies and individuals to consider investment in the harbour area. Sometimes the States concentrates too much on the short term, rather than the long and sensible options. What is encouraging is that dialogue between the States and the harbours, which are two different departments, has improved recently.’
Someone with decades of experience of using the harbours was Michael Child, aged 80, who was a captain at Commodore for more than 40 years. He was in favour of moving the main port to Longue Hougue.
‘This would take the commercial traffic to St Sampson’s, but I don’t think it will happen in my lifetime,’ he said. ‘Unfortunately our authorities don’t appear to have the wisdom to make the really big decisions that they did 150 years ago.’
The survey can be completed at www.guernseyharbouractionareas.com
The second drop-in is taking place from 10am to 2pm at the Rock Community Church today.
