OPTIONS for the development of the island’s east coast should be before the States next summer. A States working group is set to offer for public feedback more scenarios than the controversial ‘Little Venice’ concept devised by developer Long Port.
Deputy Lyndon Trott, who chairs the States strategic land planning group, said that the widespread publicity given to the Long Port plans had raised expectations and anxieties about seafront development and what the States was doing.
‘I would like to reassure everyone that we are not counting anything in or out at this early stage,’ he said.
‘The objective is to get together a sound set of information, hear people’s views and aspirations and present a genuine range of choices.’
The sub-group has reported back to the Policy Council on its early work, which started before the Long Port plans were made public.
It has drawn on experience from outside the island about the potential benefits of a development strategy and possible pitfalls.
‘One comment that particularly struck home with me was that a strategy will only succeed over the long term if it recognises Guernsey’s special character,’ said Deputy Trott.
The council has mandated the SLPG to develop plans for the area.
Deputy Trott said that many ideas were in play and the council wanted good public feedback on the options.
He admitted that the summer deadline was challenging, but was hopeful of meeting it.
Islanders have already indicated through opinion polls that they at least want to see more consideration given to development proposals such as those from Long Port, though many are vehemently against any land reclamation in the Belle Greve Bay area.
Article posted on 27th September, 2006 - 12.00am
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