DOZENS of St Martin’s residents have joined together to object to the development of homes at Les Blanches. Nearly 50 opposed a representation to the review of the Rural Area Plan from Island Development Ltd. The company has not yet put forward any formal plans to the Environment Department.

The company went to the planning inquiry because it had been frustrated at the lack of progress made over the previous five years with the former Island Development Committee.

The company said it had not finalised plans for the seven fields it owns, which are being rented by a farmer for £1,560 a year.

The site-specific application was made on the company’s behalf by director Tony Grange, who said that development was not necessarily bad for the environment.

‘We submitted a scheme in September last year to open up debate about zoning in Les Blanches,’ he said.

‘We are interested as a company in having a more flexible approach.’

The company was formed in the 1960s by Edwin Littlewood and between 1976 and 1997 it had bought land in the area, which was described by States agricultural officer Andrew Casebow as top quality.

Mr Grange estimated that about half of the land could be used for housing – either social, retirement or private.

The residents appeared to have the support of the Environment Department, whose representative, Damon Hackley, said it believed that its view accurately reflected States’ policies with regard to the protection of land.

Mr Casebow said: ‘Mr Grange said he was frustrated by the IDC and that these developers have made a speculative investment and have been frustrated for a number of years. Well, good.’

He called the ‘flexibility’ argument nebulous and urged planning inspector Peter Robottom to dismiss the plea.

Mr Grange, who is the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird’s publicity officer in the island, said that UK research had showed that housing areas did not necessarily mean a reduction in the number of birds because residents put out feeding tables.

But Mr Casebow dismissed that argument as invalid.

Deputy Francis Quin made an impassioned plea to Mr Robottom.

‘I am somewhat puzzled as to how houses can be better for wildlife – wild parties, yes, but wildlife?’ he asked.

‘The parish is very upset and you would be a freeman of St Martin’s if you denied this representation.’