 The States is planning to hold the debate in September |
A proposed transfer of �10m of public land on Jersey's waterfront is still the best option to resolve a long-running legal dispute, the president of the Policy and Resources Committee has said. Senator Frank Walker's comments came after a public meeting on Tuesday night concerning the controversial land deal.
Les Pas Holdings has been claiming ownership of a large area of the waterfront for several years and has threatened to take the States to court over the issue.
The Policy and Resources Committee is proposing handing over the land to the company to avoid further court action. The States is to debate the issue on 16 September.
About 169 people turned out for the meeting at St Peter Community Hall. Senator Walker and former senator Dick Shenton spent an hour answering questions about the deal.
Senator Walker said the proposed settlement had only come after intense negotiation between Les Pas Holdings and the States.
One member of the public at the meeting said the level of interest in the dispute was due to widespread scepticism about politicians because of previous failed projects in the island.
Senator Walker said: "There is no other option, no matter how outraged people feel.
"We either remain in court, with all the attendant risks, or we choose the out-of-court settlement.
"Unfortunately, there is no other, easy and cost-effective way out."
Jersey's Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache, has said decisions made by the Policy and Resources Committee over the Les Pas deal will be legal.
However, a public inquiry into the dispute between the States and Le Pas could take place after the legal proceedings have been concluded.
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There is no other, easy and cost-effective way out 
