"Cramming in" development leads to "divide" in parishes

Wednesday 20 March 2019

A Vale Deputy has spoken out against "unbelievable" plans to build on the green area behind Guernsey's power station, after a Development Framework for the site was approved.

Deputy Mary Lowe has previously raised concerns about Le Maresquet's close proximity to the power station and believes the amount of development in the north is contributing to a "divide" with the upper parishes.

"Too much emphasis has been given to cramming in even more development into the north of the island and not enough consideration to the quality of life for those who live there," she said. "With all the development being framed in the north we are building social problems for the future, children need space to play. A divide appears to exist with many of those living in the north unable to afford purchasing a property in the upper parishes where they and their children can enjoy being surrounded by open space and green fields."

Le Maresquet is expected to accommodate about 21-38 new properties.

Deputy Lowe said one "serious concern" for the site is noise and vibration, which is said to have previously caused ill health for some of the area's former and current residents and has been highlighted in "several reports".

Pictured: Deputy Lowe has raised concerns about noise and vibration coming from the power station, with a development framework approved which could see more houses built nearby.

She said: "Guernsey Electricity have paid out millions of pounds purchasing eight properties. (Seven properties purchased during 2016 at Hougue Jehanet & Midvale Lane and one property along La Hure Mare a few years ago). Will we see in a few years time a repeat of more people becoming ill and Guernsey Electricity purchasing yet even more properties? I sincerely hope not.

"Bearing in mind new residential builds are not permitted in a stated radius around many power stations across the UK, quite why the DPA are prepared to not only allow more residential units very close to the power station, they are also approving more homes in the middle of a large industrial area."

The framework was subject to public consultation for six weeks before being approved and received 27 responses.

As well as the development framework for Le Maresquet being approved, frameworks for Pointues Rocques and the E&G site on Southside of the Bridge have also been approved this week. 

Pictured top: Deputy Mary Lowe has raised concerns about any potential development at Le Maresquet.