Industrial land use decision welcomed

Friday 09 February 2018

States land could be set aside for use by light industry after a row between politicians and small business owners which has lasted years.

After a States decision yesterday, land at Mont Crevelt/the Longue Hougue reclamation site, Griffith’s Yard and Brickfield House, will be ear marked for development for private rental. One businessman said it is about time, and he is also fed up with some politicians dismissing the contribution his firm and others make to the island's economy.

Areas of land at Mont Crevelt and the Longue Hougue reclamation site, Griffith's Yard and Brickfield House will have to be made available for businesses to rent with conditions over what can be stored there. States owned land at Pitronnerie Road won't be used for light industry after our deputies voted in favour of retaining that area.

Some of the firms which are likely to be in line to rent the land include those currently renting off the States at the Fontaine Vinery site.

They had been told on previous occssions they had to move as the land was earmarked for housing under the Island Development Plan and its predecessor.

Ross Le Brun, who owns Labour Force, which is based at La Fontaine, told Express it is "great news that the ball is still rolling so to speak but the deputies need to get past the idea that it is giving some businesses an unfair advantage. It's not and it's also not for the benefit of a few! but for all!"

Mr Le Brun has been one of the most vocal campaigners for States owned land to be used for businesses like his in recent years, claiming some deputies have always been against the plan for the wrong reasons:

"Some have it stubbornly in their head that it's only the Fontaine tenants the problem of a lack of space affects. We are just the lucky ones who have some space. There’re a lot of others that are struggling because of a lack of space. This hurts a part of our economy."

Pictured: Ross Le Brun

Citing this week's States debate as well as previous discussions on the matter, Mr Le Brun said those who believe businesses like his aren't paying a "commercial rent" are wrong and he believes that should be seen as a positive contribution to the wider economy:

"We are currently paying a commercial rent for an otherwise disused piece of States-land that, because of us, is creating an income rather than sitting derelict and idle. We are happy to continue paying a similar level. We have no sheds, no services, no security, just open space with our equipment open to the elements and vandalism. In fact we are probably paying more than what’s fair for what we get.

"It's only the demand caused by the States treating industrial businesses as an enemy, and forcing them out of other land areas, that has caused the artificial inflation of value.

"We are being pushed out for more social housing to be built. If some businesses don’t get secure industrial land soon their employees as well as the business owners may end up in that social housing, claiming benefits, because the lack of space has forced some businesses to close."

Pictured: One of the disused greenhouses which borders the Fontaine Vinery site

Mr Le Brun has closely followed developments in recent years and hopes so-called light industrial firms will start to be seen in a more positive light, adding "less talk, more action!"

"It’s a shame as a sector we are looked on so dismissively, but what do we cost the States?

"We don’t receive any subsidies like farmers do. We haven’t had millions spent to build a fish quay to moor our vessels. We haven’t had millions spent on a digital greenhouse to offer affordable space. There are other examples where taxpayer’s money is spent to help keep other industries viable.

"We are even spending millions of taxpayers money to try and tempt, and assist, the rich, who could actually afford it themselves to move here.

"We need to encourage all sectors, not just ignore anyone who needs space to store industrial equipment because they are seen as a dirty neighbour. We are all entrepreneurs, we are all invested here, employing locally, keeping skills alive in Guernsey, pumping money back in to the economy.

"Ideally, an industrial park area, split in to separate yards & workshops on States land, creating an income for idle States land, will be a further shot in the arm for our economy. Something more suitable for start ups and one man bands. Stop trying to push empty LVCR warehouses on us. We wouldn’t ask first time buyers to look at any of the unsold luxury flats would we? So hopefully less talk more action."