P&R to discuss plans for east coast later this month

A draft policy letter has been prepared that focuses on the work so far of the Guernsey Development Agency, which the States set up last year to develop ideas about the future use of land from Havelet to the Bridge. P&R and the agency itself were remaining tight-lipped yesterday about how far-reaching the development proposals would be, but there was confirmation that at least initial plans were advanced enough to be put in front of the States’ senior committee imminently.

Bob Murray, who represents P&R on a political oversight group which works closely with the Guernsey Development Agency, said: ‘A draft policy letter was discussed with that group last week, prior to submitting it to P&R for consideration this month.’

Deputy Murray said that P&R would then want to provide a briefing to other deputies before publishing any proposals or making further public comments.

The chairman of the development agency, Pete Watson, said: ‘The GDA is formulating a number of plans that in due course it will be happy to share.

‘But at present we are not able to discuss these until the politicians have agreed and been briefed.’

Previous proposals for development along the east coast, stretching back over many decades, have often generated significant public opposition, including marches along the seafront.

The development agency has carried out a public survey and held meetings with various stakeholders in an attempt to understand the need and gauge the potential reaction to ideas for development.

It seems likely that the proposals will include using inert waste to reclaim land at Black Rock. This was mentioned during last week’s States meeting by States’ Trading Supervisory Board vice-president Charles Parkinson.

In comments which came as a surprise to most deputies, he said that the Guernsey Development Agency had ‘exciting plans’ to reclaim an area to the north of St Sampson’s Harbour for housing developments.

He made his comments as the States overturned the Development & Planning Authority’s rejection of stockpiling inert waste at Longue Hougue.

Deputy Parkinson said the GDA would need a supply of inert waste for about 10 years.

As well as Black Rock, he said it was looking at developments at Salerie Corner and the Bridge, as well as Longue Hougue itself.