The bridge to link the Waterfront to St Helier could cost �2.4m

Nigel Queree, who stood down as a politician last year, has said he think thinks it has merit.

Plans for a bridge, expected to cost �2.5m, which would link the development to the rest of St Helier have generated fierce criticism.

Such has been the level of controversy surrounding the bridge, an opinion poll has been commissioned to gauge the public mood.

You need pedestrian footfall in order to generate value Nigel Queree Join the debate at BBC Jersey

Concerns previously raised about the bridge have included design aspects such as lack of shelter for walkers, through to how capital to start the project will be raised.

An issue of a loss of car parking area has also been raised.

However, Mr Queree has said a bridge is fundamental to the future success of the waterfront.

He said firms will not invest in the development unless people are able to walk past the area and believes if people can, a bridge will pay for itself many times over.

He said: "You won't get people investing particularly in commercial areas if you can't get people to walk past them.

"You know a road doesn't generate income for shops and things or buildings - it is where people walk through them.

"You need pedestrian footfall in order to generate value."

The Planning and Environment Committee said: "Planning and Building Services is responsible for supervising all planning and building in the island.