THE Environment Department has produced a consultation document on its plans for Belgrave Vinery. The mainly States-owned site is set to be released for housing in small parcels to meet specific housing needs. The proposals include plans to protect and enhance the site’s natural features.
A leaflet detailing initial plans will be available from Frossard House, St Sampson’s douzaine room and the Guille-Alles Library.
‘The site is a huge opportunity,’ said Environment minister Bernard Flouquet. ‘The States will be able to make a real impact on the provision of affordable housing here.
‘We are keen to ensure that the opportunity to create a really attractive place to live is not wasted.’
A draft outline planning brief needs to be produced by the end of next month, so the public will have until 13 August to comment on the initial plans.
The proposals will then be subject to a public planning inquiry.
‘The leaflet sets out what we think are the key principles for the development, but again we are seeking people’s views on this.’
The leaflet details every aspect of the development, including traffic flow and ecological issues, and follows consultation with other States departments and private landowners.
‘Landscape and recreation have been very much the starting points. The site at the moment is very much a wasteland. It’s not easily seen from anywhere and it’s quite inaccessible,’ the spokesman said.
‘We intend to restore something of the marais landscape and open the site up and have public access.’
Provision has been made in the plan for segregated routes, primarily for cyclists and pedestrians.
Drainage issues have been addressed with a variety of solutions, with an enhancement of the Marais Stream and a new wetland through the centre of the site being one natural contribution.
‘Also in the corner of the site there are fields that have been undisturbed for centuries, are very low-lying and have archaeological features such as a small standing stone; we’re proposing that this area be protected.’
Fingers of landscape will also extend into the development areas, which is effectively divided into two by the central wetland.
The two development pockets would differ in character, with a natural extension to St Sampson’s in the north and St Peter Port in the south.
‘These separate areas, because it’s being brought forward in pieces, will be broken down into smaller pockets, each with its own identity and character.’
Buildings will typically vary between two and three storeys, with the taller ones focused on the spine road and focal points.
‘For vehicle access, there are two main routes. One new access point will be at Belgrave flats; the flats will be removed and a new road into the site will take a northern route and come out at Le Murier.’
The second main access route will connect via Victoria Avenue, which will be made one-way heading west.
Article posted on 31st July, 2004 - 12.00am
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