Belgrave build could easily get bogged down

The hesitancy of developers is understandable. The complications are considerable – and not just the smells of the sewage emptying point.

There are four owners, for a start. The principal one is the States but, if this is to work, Belgrave needs a masterplan for the site as a whole.

That includes flood defences to protect properties and people in the low-lying marshland from the sea. Near the coast, the chance of a flood will remain as high as once every decade until long-awaited sea defences are built.

A masterplan must also take account of the area’s value as a water source – a fifth of the island’s drinking water flows through the Le Marais catchment. Residents of nearby properties along the Vale Road or the seafront will not want their own homes to be where all the displaced marshland water ends up.

Traffic, too, is a huge concern. States experts – and anyone who drives regularly in the area – are already worried about the ability of nearby junctions to cope with not just the extra vehicles from up to 313 homes at Belgrave but hundreds of new properties earmarked for Franc Fief, Pointues Rocques and elsewhere. Those morning traffic queues approaching the Halfway are already bad.

Planners are pinning their hopes of not overwhelming the road network on new pedestrian and cycle paths and some community premises within the development such as a corner shop, a play area and even a community health hub to keep residents local.

They accept, however, that Vale Primary is out of easy walking range. Just as well St Sampson’s High is on the doorstep for older children.

Few private developers would take on such a tricky task and the Guernsey Housing Association is the best option.

Even then, as with Leale’s Yard, Belgrave will get off the ground only with considerable States support. If deputies are serious about building more homes for islanders they need to play an active role on the few major sites remaining.