PROPOSALS for a state-of-the-art yacht club on the Crown Pier have come as a shock to the landlord – the States of Guernsey. Developer Ironbridge Estates is sponsoring a competition to design a landmark clubhouse on the site for the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club.

The proposals – unveiled in Saturday’s Guernsey Press – came as a surprise to the two departments with an interest in the site.

‘The Treasury knew nothing about this and, as we are the landlord, it would have been nice to have been involved in the consultation process,’ said Treasury member Jack Honeybill.

‘If anyone comes along with an idea to enhance States property, we will talk and the landowner’s permission is needed to enter into dialogue with the planners on any site.’

RCIYC commodore Matthew Henry said that consultation with the Environment Department’s planning section had begun. Permission for this had been given but he would not say yesterday who had given it.

‘We have spoken to the planners who have told us to come back with something which they will consider for approval,’ he said.

‘They said they wanted something that would encourage them to give permission and we need to come up with the correct building for the site.’

Deputy Honeybill said that Treasury was the landlord but the rent it collected went to Public Services, which controls the harbour. Public Services minister Bill Bell also did not know who had given permission for dialogue with the planners to begin.

‘I’m not aware of any negotiations but I will seek to discuss the matter with the harbour master ‘Capt. Peter Gill’ when he returns from leave,’ he said.

He believed that the land formed part of the harbour, for which his department had responsibility.

Deputy Honeybill, who is also the executive officer for the Town Centre Partnership, said he had learned of the proposals only when reading Saturday’s newspaper.

‘I was disappointed that it was the first I knew of it,’ he said.

‘It may be that the individual did not know of our existence but I think both politically and non-politically, I would have been delighted to have been consulted on a proposal for development at the harbour.’