La Pulente metal cabinet moved from temporary home

Thursday 06 May 2021

A metal cabinet at La Pulente that was criticised for being a “blight on the landscape” has moved and won’t return to its original spot.

The 2.2m-high box had been placed on top of an underground waste storage tank, which prompted one nearby resident to accuse the Government of “double-standards” in allowing the structure to stand within the Coastal National Park.

Jonathan White said he was “horrified” at the new construction.

On Tuesday afternoon, however, the box was moved, with the Government saying that it was never the intention for it to stay there permanently.

Pictured: Where the cabinet was positioned before it was moved on Tuesday.

The box will house switching equipment for the nearby pumping station, which is currently housed in the nearby toilet block being developed into a café.

A Government spokesman said: “The new cabinet for the La Pulente Pumping station is not in its final intended location. It is being stored on pallet boards and will be moved closer to the pumping station, a few metres to the north, following the necessary planning permission. 

“The current panel is in the toilet block and has shared access. The developer has covered the costs of the new cabinet to enable completely separate access and power supplies for the station while he develops the site. 

Pictured: The metal cabinet was placed temporarily on the pumping station and will eventually be sited to the right of the path above.

“The pumping station continues to be a critical part of infrastructure, taking the waste water from 59 surrounding properties and protecting the surrounding environment from any pollution.”

Stephanie Steedman, who represents Shellhouse Ltd, the company converting the toilet block, said: “The kiosk has been stored temporarily awaiting its final and approved installation adjacent to the bank in accordance with planning permission that has been granted.

“The kiosk is required to house the necessary equipment to operate and maintain the below ground pumping station. The below-ground pumping station is an essential piece of infrastructure for residents living in the La Pulente area.

Pictured: An image from the Planning website showing where the green box holding switching gear for the pumping station will be placed.

“The current arrangement which locates the switchgear equipment in the toilet building, does not meet current safety standards and the redevelopment of the toilets has been taken as an opportunity to upgrade facilities so that Government of Jersey staff can work safely and in accordance with modern standards. 

“Shellhouse Ltd is looking forward to completing the new cafe, which will be operated by Nude Food, later this year.”

The metal cabinet has now moved within the perimeter fence of the building site before it is sited close to a grass bank to the north of the pumping station.