TWO aspects of the row over proposed development at Coupee Lane, St Peter Port, seem inescapable: the site is in an historically sensitive part of Town and a number of residents and their elected representatives are not happy with what is likely to be built there.

Thereafter, whether what is planned for the infill area – currently a car park – is a masterpiece of architectural wonderment or a blot on the skyscape depends entirely on perspective.

From the residents’ point of view, it’s definitely the latter, a blockhouse of a building that will obscure sea views and, to use a word beloved by the former IDC, be incongruous with the area.

From the developer’s outlook, it’s an opportunity to turn a profit and permission was already granted to block the views, so what are the residents griping about?

To the dispassionate outsider, however, what is almost of more interest is the steps, the companies and the individuals who have been involved at various stages in owning the site.

The latest plans have been submitted because earlier ones were deemed ‘not viable’. With the site unchanged, building costs reducing and local market property prices rising, that may appear a surprising conclusion.

Islanders might, perhaps cynically, conclude that new plans with more units mean more profit or that as the site changes ownership, at a price,  so the cost of doing anything to it rises.

Whatever the explanation, an area with traditional pitched roofs is now seemingly set to have a flat-topped box of a structure designed to make everyone associated with its construction wealthier but those affected by its impact the poorer.

Where, one wonders, is Environment/IDC in all this? Is it not supposed to balance business interests, the need for more homes and the amenity of the existing residents plus the visual heritage of St Peter Port?

Is allowing more units to be crammed into an infill space simply encouraging speculation and delay in building properties?

The architect says that due to the size of the site it would be difficult to erect a gable-fronted building.

Yet it’s big enough for 12 two-bedroom units plus parking…

Deputies supporting the residents have plenty of ammunition in their quest for answers.