‘Derelict vinery sites should be given over to nature’
LA SOCIETE has raised its concerns about developing green field sites and the consequences of allocating areas of biodiversity importance, as set out in the latest proposals to amend the Island Development Plan.
The organisation met to discuss all of the proposals made by the Development & Planning Authority and the extent of the impact on Guernsey’s natural environment.
‘Like the National Trust, we are opposed to using greenfield sites for development. We have enough brown field sites waiting to be developed, we do not need to touch the greenfield sites, even though they may be easier to build on,’ said La Societe president Trevor Bourgaize.
‘We welcome the additions to the ABI regulations, although we are still concerned that if push comes to shove, it’s very easy to change the status of these areas.’
Mr Bourgaize referred to La Grande Mare, which was originally classified as a site of special significance, but was downgraded, and said La Societe would like to see structured rules to protect the land.
ABIs are areas of different habitat types that are of significance to nature conservation, while sites of special significance are Guernsey’s most important sites for biodiversity.
‘We need habitat and species legislation which sets out which areas are protected, the species there which we are looking to protect and if there is a field of orchids, which are very rare, we want to make sure they are saved,’ he said.
‘Ultimately, we want a lot of ecological net gain, and for sites such as Duval and Fontaine vineries, where the proposals are for 60% housing and 40% green space, we would like to see that replicated at all housing sites in the pipeline.’
Following on from this, there are concerns over curtilage boundaries being abused in the future, and landowners of areas of ABIs may appeal to build a few years down the line.
La Societe would also like to see some derelict greenhouse sites transformed.
‘We would love to see some of them cleared and planting with native trees and hedges,’ said Mr Bourgaize.
‘Guernsey lacks wildlife corridors, which are so important for lots of species. It would make such a difference. What is currently large areas of broken glass could be made into some really good habitats.
‘Some incentive from the States for people to use greenhouse sites might help this.’
For sites such as the Castel Hospital, La Societe has no objections to building there, but would like to see walkways and cycle paths incorporated to link other areas such as La Preel and Talbot Valley.
