Application submitted for ‘assisted access ramp’ at La Vallette

Wednesday 27 October 2021

The proposed access ramp and handrail will provide accessibility to the Bathing Pools, accommodating more people at the site.

Work to reinvigorate the La Vallette Bathing Pools is underway, however an additional planning application for an assisted access ramp from La Vallette changing room down to the Bathing Pools has been submitted to provide increased accessibility and inclusivity.

The proposed concrete ramp will link the main building with the Ladies’ Pool, as well as providing access into the pool itself. 

The construction would consist of linking existing concrete platforms through three new individual sections, with a slightly varied ramp width in order to reduce trip hazards and fill in natural voids in the rock.

The proposal required an ecological assessment, which was carried out on 16 September to assess the habitats located at the site and the impact of the ramp construction. 

Pictured: The ramp has been designed for minimal excavation of the existing rock.

“The site of the proposed ramp hosts some natural habitats and associated wildlife,” concluded the assessment. 

“The creation of a new access ramp would lead to some localised ecological losses although these are limited in terms of extent and severity.”

“By undertaking appropriate mitigation, the various environmental impacts could be reduced to a level deemed acceptable and would safeguard the remaining habitats around the development site.”

Consultation with the GDA, States of Guernsey Disability Officer, and Guernsey Disability swimming concluded that a single continuous handrail would be most efficient to assist with accessibility whilst not restricting the use of the space and preventing a hazard to swimmers at high tide.

The exact position of the handrail will be reviewed following the construction of the ramp path, however the style will match that of other handrails in the vicinity.

Dependent on planning approval, the construction of the accessible access ramp and installation of the handrail will be integrated into the current work at La Vallette, and the proposed works will ensure the same pollution control measures are mitigate further disruption to wildlife.