A planning application was submitted last month for the redevelopment of both the current Les Beaucamps and St Sampson’s High school sites, meaning public awareness of the plans has been increased. 

However, while the planning application references an additional four spaces which will be created at the de Saumarez College site if planning permission is given, ESC has said the application did not include the "significant additional spaces secured by the purchase of Delisles Church".

Those spaces didn't have to be included in the planning application as they already exist separately but on a site to be incorporated into school grounds. 

Pictured: Deputy Richard Graham. 

Deputy Richard Graham, Vice-President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said:

"It is inaccurate to suggest that only four new parking spaces are being created at the Les Beaucamps site. The Committee secured the purchase of Delisles Church which has a car park offering at least 40 spaces. This did not need to be included in the planning application as it is already a car park."

The planning application has also sparked some criticism because it only suggests parking spaces be provided for 75% of staff at both the new Victor Hugo and de Saumarez colleges. 

This statistic complies with the States’ agreed policy, which says that all new developments in the island (including school extensions or redevelopments in any education model) can provide parking spaces for a maximum of 75% of staff. 

As such, Education said "it is not within the Committee’s gift to increase the amount of staff parking on-site".

Pictured: Traffic management has been one of the main issues affecting the proposed redevelopment of both school sites as Education strives to manage increased numbers of pupils and staff planned for both facilities. 

Deputy Graham said: "The proposals seek to provide parking for 75% of staff, however this is not a feature unique to the "two school model". It is the maximum any new development is able to provide under the planning policies approved by the States, and supports the aims of the integrated transport strategy to reduce the island’s reliance on single use vehicles. This figure would remain the same in other education models and at any other site.

"Additionally, it is important to note that currently 80-85% of staff drive to work. We are not anticipating or expecting all staff to travel to school by means other than car. However, we will be seeking to achieve a modest increase in the use of other modes of transport and maximising car-sharing opportunities."

Pictured top: Delisles Church, which has been bought by the States and will be used to provide extra parking spaces for the new de Saumarez College site at Les Beaucamps.