Vinery planning battle goes to Open Meeting

Friday 16 November 2018

An Open Planning Meeting will be held today, so politicians can have the final say on a controversial vinery development at the heart of the island's Ruette Tranquilles network.

Residents of the area around the Stratheden Vinery on the Rue du Douit have been up in arms about the potential redevelopment since the idea's inception.

They say it will divert more traffic through a very pedestrianised lane, create excessive noise in a peaceful location, and also sever the island's Ruette Tranquilles network in two, so that industrial vehicles can get to the vinery. 

In total, there have been more than 60 letters of objection given to the Planning Department, all protesting the plans, and all that has been accompanied by an online petition with over 600 signatures, and a Facebook page - Save our Ruette Tranquilles - which has over 150 likes.

But despite this level of protest from the outset, plans have forged ahead, so in September the residents started to call for an Open Planning Meeting, so they could make their arguments in an open forum. That wish has now been granted, and will start today at 09:30. 

From the Development & Planning Authority's point of view, the work should go ahead - and they have recommended the political board give permission with the conditions that the demolition of the existing greenhouse takes place, and four light industrial units are created.

The application would also see the land have its categorisation changed to light industry, from its current agricultural land status.

A map of how the work would likely cut the Ruettes Tranquilles network in two.

Previously, two of the residents leading the protest have spoken at length to Express about why they think the plans are ridiculous. They believe the development would fall outside of the jurisdictions of the Island Development Plan, which is a document the States approved as a guideline to any development on Guernsey. Their lawyers will be arguing their case at the meeting today. You can read more about their arguments here.

Now, while the final decision will fall to the politicians on the board today, the DPA has set out some additional guidelines alongside its recommendation.

These state no "industrial activity" can take place outside of the buildings without written approval, and no work can take place outside of 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays. This is all alongside plans to keep pollution down.

Pictured top: Neil and Siobhan Michel and Kate Henning have been speaking to their lawyers about how this application goes against the IDP since the start.