Taxpayer land grab for park extension?

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Plans to develop almost 300 homes on the Gas Place site approved just 24 hours ago could be dropped to extend the Millennium Town Park instead.

Town Constable Simon Crowcroft says that he will ask the States to buy the site that was yesterday approved for 285 homes so that the park can be extended.

He says that the cost would probably be over the £7 million paid for the Talman site which makes up the other end of the park closest to the old Odeon building.

And Mr Crowcroft added that with the Council of Ministers underlining their desire to support St Helier in their draft Strategic Plan, an extension to the park was the perfect way to demonstrate their commitment.

He said: “It clears the way for States Members who care about open space in St Helier to start work on a proposition, and have the debate during the debate on the Medium Term Financial Plan.

“I have never objected to St Helier taking the bulk of the Island’s housing needs, but residents must have proper open space in sufficient quantity to make living in town a pleasant and attractive proposition.”

Yesterday it was announced that the major development for almost 300 homes on the Jersey Gas site had been approved despite protests by residents and politicians. Residents had complained that the plans were too big, that they would cause chaos for already scarce parking in the area, that the flats would tower over neighbouring homes and that the lack of amenity space would create social problems.

A statement issued by Planning acknowledged the potential problems, but said that the development would create “vibrant housing” and remove "a potentially hazardous commercial use” from the area.

The approval granted yesterday requires the developers to contribute a cycle link through from the site to Belmont Road, provide 30 public parking spaces and a bus shelter, and move the buildings back from Tunnell Street.