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The cost of building an access road to a proposed housing development at Pointues Rocques and lack of progress on traffic trials should be “seriously considered” by deputies, campaigners have argued.
Negotiations are ongoing between the Guernsey Housing Association, landovers and potential developers on a deal that will need political approval for 68 units of private market and affordable housing.
The Delancey Conservation Committee has written to all deputies after news of those talks was confirmed.
“We ask that you seriously consider the cost implications of building the required entrance-road from Robergerie lane into the site, especially given the steep topography,” they said.
“Planning permission was granted on the condition that all construction vehicles must use this new entrance-road and not the existing entrance on Pointues Rocques lane.”
They say the rise from the lane to the proposed site is 8.81 metres over only 65 to 70 metres.
“Please consider the cost of materials alone, to build a structurally-secure road at such a gradient.”
They were concerned about potential flooding on houses below.
The committee said that planning approval was swayed by an Environment & Infrastructure briefing note.
“It proposed 'opportunities', to be discussed with residents, for addressing traffic management and road safety concerns. These included a nine to 12 month trial on restricting through-traffic.”
Traffic calming measures were an alternative, but there is no detail of what they would be or costs, the committee said.
“Another 'opportunity' was to introduce safe walking routes to the Bridge and other locations. None of these measures have been followed through and need to be in place and trials conducted prior to any development, and will reflect another substantial cost implication to be borne by the taxpayer.”
E&I President Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez said it would soon be publishing the Better Transport Plan, “which is a key enabler for the significant volume of new homes expected to be developed in an area around the Bridge”.
“Deputy Gabriel and I have already made contact with a committee member of the Delancey Conservation Group, and are arranging to meet with them in the near future to discuss their concerns and how they can be addressed through the plan or in any other way.”
The Development & Planning Authority said that responsibility for off-site traffic management is within the mandate of Environment & Infrastructure.
“However, this aspect was considered in the assessment of the planning application and at the OPM held on 27 July 2022. After the decision to grant planning permission on 27 July 2022 for the Pointues Rocques site, Deputy Victoria Oliver, President of the Development & Planning Authority, responded to written questions posed by the Delancey Conservation Group at that time.”
Pictured top: The Swallows in Robergerie Lane is to be demolished to make way for a new access road.
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