The States is proposing the demolition of a number of properties along the Bridge and Commercial Road and the creation of a new gated vehicle entrance to the site.
In its official response to the proposals from the States, the douzaine said that while welcoming the move to prioritise the Leale’s Yard work, it had concerns over road safety and traffic management, particularly with the proposed new access road to the site, and its impact on pedestrians and bus users.
Douzenier Karl Guille, who wrote the submission, noted that although several changes were set out as temporary, they were likely to remain in place for several years.
Among the concerns are proposed changes to the mini-roundabout at the northern end, which has four arms already but would have a fifth added under the plans.
‘This will certainly add to the complexity of determining right of way, especially during peak times, and it is for this reason that the douzaine has raised road safety concerns relating to the proposed creation of an informal crossing point right at the head of the proposed new access road,’ Mr Guille wrote.
Given that the access road will be two-way and be used by heavy goods vehicles, and the area was also busy with pedestrians, the douzaine believed that a formal zebra crossing should be installed, set back from the junction, or a clearly marked courtesy crossing ‘as an absolute minimum’.
The parish also pointed out that there is not enough space for the proposed new bus stop in Vale Avenue and creating one could force waiting passengers into the road. It is also suggested that parking arrangements in the road be looked at since if the bus stop was busy it could create traffic congestion.
Vale constable John Niles has said that the parish welcomed the application as a sign that progress was being made at last on the Leale’s Yard site.
Concerning the additional arm on the mini-roundabout, Mr Niles said that while this was the least disruptive traffic solution, further traffic studies were needed if the proposed new entrance was to be made permanent.
The Vale officials thought that the introduction of a second bus stop in Vale Avenue would compensate for the loss of the existing stop on the roundabout.
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