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States promises to reopen the steps leading up from La Vallette to the Clarence Battery have moved forward with plans being submitted for the work needed to stabilise the loose cliff material.
A landslide in early March 2020 left the area impassable.
Pictured: The landslip happened in early 2020.
The landslip followed heavy rainfall overnight, with a spokesperson for Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services saying at the time that the adjacent granite walls had fallen away along with the large area of cliff face which had subsided.
This left the steps up to the Clarence Battery - also known as the Cow's Horn - damaged and they've been closed ever since.
Now, the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure has said that poor or faulty drainage was a contributing factors the repair work will see an improved drainage system installed. That will largely be concealed underneath the new steps, which have been designed to follow the previous steps but with clear edges and level surfaces in-line with modern expectations.
During the three years since the landslip the work needed to repair the damage has been researched. Initially that was delayed by the covid pandemic but by May 2021 the project had been put out to tender.
E&I said it has also been hampered by difficulty in securing design specialists to develop the project but now the committee has lodged a planning application so the work can be started.
Marco Tersigni, Infrastructure Officer for Environment and Infrastructure said he is among those delighted the steps up to join the cliff path are moving closer to being repaired.
“La Vallette not only has a rich history but is an important part of St Peter Port, offering convenient recreational space in an outstanding location," he said.
"As such, after delays caused by external factors, I am delighted that progress has been made to deliver a long-term solution for the area, which will see the soft material in the stabilised, and allow the Clarence Battery steps to be rebuilt, which will enhance the area.
"Our engineers have been careful to deal with the fundamental issue that caused the steps to collapse and to integrate solutions that will avoid the same problems recurring, or worse, later down the line. We have also given careful consideration to mitigate the impact of the works on the natural environment and to the surrounding wildlife.
"For Islanders and visitors alike who have missed being able to enjoy the beautiful route along our east coast from La Vallette round to Clarence Battery, this welcome news represents the next step as we look forward to the eventual reopening of the steps.”
When the cliff face is repaired, the steps will look different with the planned clear edges and level surfaces. The planning application also includes the use of dark bricks in natural shades, which E&I hopes will blend the design into the landscape as vegetation regrows around it.
The plans also include provisions for a steel balustrade painted with a black satin finish - intended to help the stairs visually sink into the landscape, while also helping accessibility up the steps.
E&I also said it has taken steps to ensure that hibernating green lizards are protected during the repair work.
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Clarence Battery work welcomed
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