Brownfield urgently needs a green light
ONE of the key figures in States property matters has made a significant move to reframe the debate over the possible development of key worker housing on a green field at the hospital.
Deputy Dave Mahoney wrote in this newspaper at the end of last week that his colleagues should support the proposal to build on lower-quality agricultural land – ‘land that is so good that the States of Guernsey grows grass on it’ is how he framed it – or explain to healthcare professionals why this field is more important than their accommodation; to justify to islanders facing cancelled operations why the field is worth more than their health; and to enlighten those paying high rents why we can’t release private sector units into the market because we are not prepared to build new key worker accommodation.
It’s an argument that has some validity. Some have accused Deputy Mahoney of political naivety, but his argument is playing well with others.
Essentially it’s starting to become an argument not over the quality of a green field – though the agricultural grade does play a significant part – but over whether the States actually looks to do something with urgency.
Deputy Mahoney, and a number of his colleagues, appear to want action. Yes they want to create housing, they understand the pressing need for it, but it appears that the desire to want something badly enough is the primary issue.
But when islanders have concerns that Guernsey is already too built up – that is arguable, but perception is reality for many – any green field development will be considered undesirable.
Most islanders would prefer to see is brownfield redevelopment. Last year the Development & Planning Authority published development frameworks for three areas of St Peter Port in need of some care and attention. Are they a view into a better future, or merely to be left on a shelf? Much of that land is outside of States’ control, but what could be done to take that forward?
Accepted that it won’t be as quick as moving the diggers in on States-owned land, but can we target dereliction, get stuck into the redevelopment of the south of St Peter Port, push harder on empty sites, and get projects moving that will benefit all?