NEW plans for the east coast could be drawn up by the States in response to Long Port’s proposals. Deputies will be asked to agree to spend £145,000 on the work, which will fund a team of consultants with experience in large-scale projects and a new short-term post within the Environment Department’s forward planning team.

The Policy Council’s strategic land planning group will propose a series of scenarios for the coastline, including a ‘do minimum’ option.

If the proposal is rejected, the States will abandon work on the project and it is unlikely that anything will be built along that seaboard.

‘Whether you are for or against this, the only way of being able to assess this objectively is to have a thorough professional assessment of various scenarios,’ said group chairman Deputy Lyndon Trott.

‘If the States does not approve this funding, no department will be in a position to comment authoritatively on the merits or otherwise of any development proposals from Long Port or anyone else.’

The council does not have to report to the States at this time – it could have spent the money under delegated powers rules – but chose to do so to ensure public support for the study. The group has been working since 2004 on a long-term plan for the east coast stretching from the Vale Castle to the Bathing Pools.

The Policy Council felt that its work had been overshadowed by the Long Port Group’s ‘Little Venice’ plans and reaction to them by the public. That came to a head when an estimated 2,000 people marched around Belle Greve Bay on 26 November.

But the States has had proposals from several groups over the last few years, ranging from modest to extensive, predominantly in the area of the Town car parks.

‘Somewhere in between that there is a balance as to what is in the best interests of the island. My political instincts tell me that the States will probably favour something midway.’

The report said both Belle Greve and Havelet and the coastline between were part of the island’s natural and marine heritage and contribute to the character of the seafront and provide iconic and much loved views across the islands.

It said in considering any potential changes it was vital that irreplaceable environmental assets were conserved and, where possible, enhanced for future generations.

As well as working with the group team, the consultants would liaise with States members, the public and stakeholders with an interest in the project. They will also assess the social, economic and environmental costs and benefits of each of the options put forward.

The report said formulating realistic and viable scenarios for the future of the eastern seaboard was a major task made more challenging as part of a review of strategic planning.

If the States agree to the proposals, a report with the various options will be presented to the House later this year or early in 2008.