Why was there no open planning meeting for La Roseliere?

The first inkling that I’d made an incorrect assumption was when the lovely granite property at the bottom end of the Cobo Road was being razed to the ground. It was named La Roseliere. My heart sank when witnessing a demolition squad reducing the chalet bungalow I’d long admired to rubble.

As a Guernsey donkey I need to give myself a kick for not following up on the matter sooner. The donkey in me would like to take aim at those who had a hand in the demolition of La Roseliere, an excellent example of Guernsey craftsmanship with extensive use of blue Guernsey granite, only to replace it with a structure twice its size. The increased footprint and height dwarfs neighbouring dwellings, impinging on their privacy and could possibly have an affect on their property/sale values.

Presumably the new owners and architects mutually agreed to the finalised plans for this particular development, which are more suited to a spacious Fort George plot or land where there are similarly sized dwellings, rather than amongst traditional cottages and bungalows. Ultra modern buildings should not be rejected, if sympathetically designed and sited, while remembering to consider neighbours.

It appears that States deputies, parish constables, parish officials and residents of Cobo made numerous protests, both verbal and written, about the size, height, design and siting of the new build at Cobo. An open meeting requested by several interested parties was refused. Did I miss a vital/relevant statement in the Guernsey Press for the refusal?

Cobo Bay is not singular in being recognised as having a lovely coastline with beautiful sunsets, therefore when the redevelopment of Hotel Les Carterets to flats was proposed, there were strong objections regarding suitability and size plus detracting from the coastline. An open meeting took place. The new build fitted the footprint and height of Hotel Les Carterets. The exterior of Les Residences apartments could be considered quite modern, but not obtrusive, being decorated to blend in with the surroundings.

The new owners of the prime site at Cobo were fortunate to be able to purchase and seek to redevelop it, especially as it was not derelict or unfit for habitation. Sadly the regulations and procedure to protect existing properties and residents seem to have been ignored.

States members have resigned from the planning committee over this present contentious issue – because they feel they have been ignored and overruled. Blunders and bungling caused this unpleasant situation. Surely those who saw the plans and gave permission for the go-ahead can estimate/visualise sizes, heights etc. from scale drawings, whether in imperial or metric measurements. If not what the dickens are they doing on the committee?

Resentment will linger long in islanders’ memories as long as Guernsey has planning, building control, or any committees with States members and civil servants who don’t play by rules, seemingly making up their own when it suits them.

Surely open planning meetings should automatically be held whenever changes of this magnitude are proposed. Also scaffolding still used, as in the past, to designate the size and positioning of any new build which might prove problematic. The ‘scaffolding’ suggestion was put forward this time by a Castel deputy, but it was turned down. Agreeing to the scaffolding and granting an open planning meeting might have gone some way for the public to retain confidence in the DPA and its decision making. In-camera decisions don’t inspire trust unless for national security.

The new owners deserve some sympathy for the situation they’re in. Walls will surround them. Blinds will shut out the world, but despite ‘Oh my, what a marvellous view of the sunset at Cobo’, what a lesson on ‘How to live in harmony with your neighbours?’

I’m a senior citizen who appreciates the need for change, but when will the idiocy of changing for change’s sake and the burning desire to align with the latest trends stop? Some excellent ideas, yes, but some crackpot notions to alter systems which worked perfectly well over the years: roles in the island parliament, States departments, voting systems, education, transport, licensing for some and not for others, diets, dress codes, slang and excessive use of abbreviations few understand, technology, planning and, last but not least, architecture which is intrusive and an eyesore.

The ghost of La Roseliere dominates the Cobo Road and Bay: an open planning meeting was rejected. Perhaps there is need, now, for an open investigation meeting.

ANNE HUTCHINGS

Address withheld.