Easing of planning restrictions on derelict greenhouse sites will reduce rural character
THE National Trust of Guernsey holds a clear position in relation to the use of derelict horticultural (greenhouse) sites. This accords broadly with the principles of the Island Development Plan, which are derived from the Strategic Land Use Plan and ultimately the island’s spatial strategy.
It is essential that in the face of pressure to build dwellings, the island does not lose sight of its objective to focus development within the main centres, the main centre outer areas and the local centres. The reason this is so important is because the infrastructure of the island, including public transport, waste, telecommunication, power, water and private transport, as well as the viability of shops and the efficiency of schools, hospitals, and emergency services, can be more effectively delivered with a ‘town’ and ‘village’ spatial model – what has been described as the hub and spoke model.
If the pressure to deliver dwellings results in an easing of planning restrictions on derelict greenhouse sites outside of the designated areas described above, the island will lose more of its open land, will have fewer sites available for agriculture or nature conservation. Additionally given the continued pressure on public finances the States and other agencies will continue to struggle to deliver services and infrastructure to such sites in a cost-effective manner.
The National Trust of Guernsey urges the States of Guernsey to consider more proactive provision of higher density residential development on previously developed land within the designated areas, rather than allow a regressive relaxation of planning policy to return us to the infill and ribbon development prevalent in the 20th century, which has already caused us to lose so much of our unique and precious rural character.
MIKE BROWN
President
National Trust of Guernsey