Select a region
A “game-changing” decision for Jersey College for Girls was made on Thursday when the school received planning permission to create a grassy break-out space for students.
For almost a decade, JCG has been trying to find an open space for its pupils to play, rest and relax during breaks.
The college has now been given permission to turn two agricultural fields to the east of its preparatory school into a secure “educational amenity”.
The Planning Committee on Thursday unanimously supported the application, after JCG came back to the group of politicians with updated plans.
Last December, the committee had rejected a previous set of plans because of concerns that the public would not be able to walk safely up from Ivystill Lane to Claremont Road.
The college has solved this problem by reducing the size of the break-out space, which will allow the Parish of St. Saviour and the Government to work together to create a footpath along the northern perimeter of the field.
Pictured: The new break-out space at JCG. The eastern finger of the field above is not included in plans (Google Maps)
The path will turn south at the field north-western corner and connect with the prep school’s car park.
Access to the field from Claremont Road along a track between the prep school and New Zealand Avenue will remain closed to the public, with new signs put up to emphasise the point. This is for the safety of pupils in the break-out space, which will remain in the green zone.
The fields are ‘safeguarded’ for educational use in the Bridging Island Plan, the current blueprint for all development in Jersey.
The break-out space will be bordered by a 2m-high green wire mesh fence and hedges will also be planted. It is hoped the area will be ready for pupils by next spring.
Speaking after the decision, JCG principal Carl Howarth said it was “game-changing”.
“This is a great day for the school,” he added. “We started this journey in February 2014 and we now have permission to create a vital space for play, rest and relaxation.
“The importance of open green space and nature in promoting mental health is supported by all the science.
"We will finally have that at JCG, along with some fantastic views over the south coast.”
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.