Project's impact on natural beauty questioned

A States member has questioned whether residents had been informed about the size of a planned land reclamation project.

Deputy Lee van Katwyk said "the public aren't aware of how extensive the land reclamation is" and he was concerned about the effect it would have on the area's natural beauty in St Sampson.

The reclamation project was approved in May and last year outline plans for the area were released including about 600 homes as well as commercial and leisure facilities including a restaurant, bathing pool and nursery.

Peter Watson, chair of the Guernsey Development Agency (GDA), said the plans would "enhance the area surrounding Vale Castle, both culturally and economically".

The reclamation forms part of a scheme to create a new inert waste disposal site in the area, as the current Longue Hougue site nears its maximum capacity.

The GDA said the £510m project would create 3,300 jobs.

Van Katwyk said "there's a lot more public consultation that needs to take place" and he wanted to make sure the "natural beauty" was being proteced.

"Of course we need to encourage economic growth but then at the same time we need to protect what is one of our most priceless resources," he added.

Mr Watson said: "I understand people's concerns, but we're going to be providing green spaces, cafes, walking and cycling spaces - we believe it's going to enhance the area and do nothing to detract from it."

According to Mr Watson, the plans would also "provide flood defences to the Saltpans in St Sampson's, Leale's Yard and reduce the cost of doing that by about £60m".

"It's going to bring huge financial benefits overall to Guernsey, not only the area around here," he added.

Van Katwyk said he was "looking at his options".

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