Controversial plan for 45 homes in St Clement to be decided today

Thursday 23 June 2016

Despite heavy opposition from local residents, Planning officials are recommending that a development of 45 homes be approved at La Rue du Hocq in St Clement today.

The plans have drawn 40 public comments from parish residents with the vast majority objecting to the proposed demolition of the existing buildings at Les Arches Farm, to be replaced by a housing development.

Grange Developments is seeking approval to build 11 one-bedroom units, 12 two-bedroom units, 8 three-bedroom units, 12 four-bedroom units and to convert an existing garage into a one-bedroom unit.

St Clement is the Island’s smallest parish and already one of the most densely populated however, Planning has recommended that the development be approved when considered at today’s Planning Applications Committee meeting.

Objectors said that the parish is already “grossly overbuilt” and pointed out the local schools are oversubscribed and underserved by facilities. Many also said the increase in traffic associated with the development would exacerbate already problematic congestion in the area.

One objector suggested the proposed plans amounted to “how to wreck a beautiful area 101” – with increased traffic, potential for accidents, the displacement of local bats and noise pollution.

Not all the comments opposed the housing development, however. One local resident noted that he understood local concern about the project but he felt the development, “...has been well thought out and will be an improvement on the current eyesore of an industrial car park."

Parish Deputy, Susie Pinel, commented:

"St. Clement has had more than its fair share of development with the accompanying demands on infrastructure; roads, drainage, schools, traffic etc. This has however, to be balanced with the requirement for more Island housing. The proposed development will undoubtedly put pressure on the above mentioned infrastructure. It has been a commercial site for many years and latterly a depot for hire cars so some traffic 'coming and going' is not new. It may be that a well designed area of housing would be preferable to continued commercial or heavy industrial use."

The development will be discussed this morning at St Paul’s Centre.