Trust concerned over proposed medicinal cannabis farm's security fencing

Monday 16 January 2023

The National Trust is objecting to plans to grow medicinal cannabis at a St. Mary farm over concerns that its 2.4m steel security fence would have an "adverse visual impact" on the green zone area.

The proposals include extending an agricultural building, erecting a perimeter fencing and creating a parking area at the La Verte Vue farm on Rue du Rondin in order to allow Jersey-registered Green View Ltd to grow, produce and supply a "superior quality cannabis product for consumption".

The site has operated as a working farm for a number of years.

If approved, the scheme states that there will be a maximum of four staff on site at any one time.

"Plants will be grown in the building continuously throughout the year. Staff will be present every day to manage the facility. Distribution will take place no more than once a week," the planning statement continued.

"The site would be made secure using a combination of barriers and technology. The application explains the location of proposed security fencing. Boundaries would be marked and arranged so that clear visibility of the site can be achieved. CCTV and infra-red cameras would provide the main methods for surveillance."

However, the National Trust for Jersey has objected to the proposals on the grounds that the "construction of a 2.4 metre steel security fence of over 100 metres in aggregate length is not appropriate in the green zone, creates an adverse visual impact and does not integrate with the character of the area."

Despite the objection, a number of nearby residents have expressed their support for the proposals.

In a submission, Daniel Entwistle said: "We fully support this application, which borders our property located to the immediate south of the proposed site. The development of the site will ensure it is maintained for a viable agricultural purpose appropriate to the rural setting and protect the area from falling into disrepair."

Julian Slater added: "As owners of the listed building to the south of the property, we are concerned that in the future, unless a commercially viable purpose is found for this land and buildings, it may fall into disrepair and negatively impact the setting.

"We are writing to offer our view in support of the application. The existing unused greenhouse is maintained at the expense of the landowners but serves no commercial purpose. The land around the building is used principally to store gardening equipment and materials, but otherwise, this site is not making the best use of the Island's agricultural space or contributing to the rural economy."