Glass still a blot on the landscape
PLANS from the Development & Planning Authority to tackle eyesore sites around the island appear to be gaining traction, and the support of parish authorities.
Four have told the committee that they like what it is planning to do, although they raise some interesting points which may not have come before the DPA before.
The Vale, for example, said it was pleased that dwellings ‘being allowed to go to wrack and ruin’ should be tackled, as the parish itself faces ‘numerous properties this applies to’ which the parish has been unable to address.
Other parishes appear to want to take a stake in the enforcement process, while some also have concerns about costs, and who might have to pay.
But notably all appear to be concerned that the proposal fails to tackle redundant glasshouse sites, and are sceptical about the strength of existing powers to do this.
‘Vineries are a major issue and although we appreciate that costs to demolish might be significant, that should not be an excuse to ignore the eyesores that they are or the significant dangers they can pose,’ said St Sampson’s, for example.
It’s remarkable that when the States considers broad planning matters, redundant glass is always raised, but never makes it to a top priority. For this feedback shows, clearing these sites is still prominent in islanders’ minds.