As a resident of Castel, I am deeply concerned that the Development & Planning Authority appears willing to set aside the clear recommendations of the independent planning inspector, Keith Holland, in relation to development at Whispers Vinery at Vazon.
An independent inspector has identified serious concerns about flooding, drainage and the lack of essential infrastructure at Vazon. On what basis can those recommendations be rejected?
The public deserves a proper explanation, not vague assurances from the DPA’s committee president Deputy Inder that the problems are ‘not insurmountable’.
The independent inspector’s report makes clear that Vazon should not be treated as a local centre. It highlights the lack of a proper centre, the absence of key services, and serious concerns about whether the area can support further development safely.
Planning decisions should be based on professional evidence, common sense and long-term resilience. We should not be asked to accept development on a coastal site against the advice of professionals.
The DPA’s intent to forge ahead with proposals that an independent expert has roundly rejected sets a dangerous precedent for local governance and undermines public trust further.
I urge deputies to scrutinise the forthcoming policy letter carefully and support amendments to remove the Vazon local centre designation housing allocation in line with the independent professional advice we the public paid for via the States that the DPA were given and have chosen to ignore.
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