Greenhouse problem must be addressed
THE new Island Development Plan will shortly come before the States of Deliberation for consideration. Guernsey is an island with scarce land resources and has historically developed in a dispersed settlement pattern. The Island Development Plan has failed to address the redundant glasshouse issue and this failure will serve only to perpetuate the visual harm caused by numerous redundant glasshouses across the island.
When the draft plan was written, the (then) Environment Department argued there was little that land use planning could achieve and that the glasshouse issue matter was essentially one of funding site clearance.
We believe this is incorrect and that land-use planning can make a significant contribution to resolving the issue through the inclusion of a proactive policy that addresses the reuse of such sites using a 'two-tier' approach.
The first tier would relate to redundant glasshouse sites in rural locations, where development would plainly be inappropriate.
The second tier, however, would relate to redundant glasshouse sites which are located within or adjoining the built-up areas.
Sustainably located redundant glasshouses (i.e. those within or on the edge of the settlements, often adjacent to or surrounded by built-form) are a valuable land resource and should be developed for housing or employment.
The development of such sites would relieve pressure on St Peter Port and The Bridge (in particular) where the plan is currently trying to 'cram-in' most new development, at the cost of increasing congestion on the road network, stressing infrastructure and harming the amenity of existing communities.
While we made this case at the inquiry into the plan, our approach was brushed aside by the Environment Department and the examining inspectors.
The environmental benefits of the type of policy we are suggesting would include more efficient use of land and significant visual and amenity improvements across the island.
As the plan will be in place for many years the opportunity to address the redundant glasshouse issue will be lost unless something is done now, otherwise the unsightly and deteriorating condition of the island's redundant glasshouses will simply get worse year-on-year, with no solution in sight.
We urge the deputies to embrace this opportunity and require changes to the plan.
W. A. CHARLES,
Chartered town planner,
Portchester Planning Consultancy,
Le Gardinet,
Candie Road,
Castel,
GY5 7BX.
