Unsafe, asbestos-ridden, unused since the 90s - but Planning say it's got to stay...

Monday 23 May 2016

If you've got a big old piece of metal that is getting a bit dangerous, and in your way, then you might want to get rid of it.

But Planners have refused to give the Ports of Jersey permission to knock down a seven-tonne crane that hasn't been in action at the Harbour for more than 20 years.

Ports of Jersey say Crane 13, that has been on St Helier's New North Quay since 1949, is now becoming a health and safety risk, is full of asbestos and even if it could be restored, it wouldn't be up to the job of their other more powerful and modern cranes.

But Planning turned down their application to get rid of it on the grounds that consent for demolition couldn't be expected on something listed just because it might be economically more attractive than repairing or reusing it.

Ports of Jersey aren't happy about it, having argued that it’s become a costly job inspecting and maintaining the crane and have already had to set up an exclusion zone around it to keep the area safe which they say is restricting their day-to-day operations.

A spokesman for the Ports of Jersey commented:

"Ports of Jersey is very disappointed by the Planning Committee’s decision to refuse the dismantling and removal of Crane 13 from its position on the New North Quay in St Helier Harbour.

It is our considered judgement, based on expert advice, that the crane is unsafe, and should be dismantled and removed to avert risk. This point was made forcibly to the Planning Applications Committee by Jersey’s Harbour Master but it is with regret and concern that this warning has not been heeded as a material consideration in the planning decision."

They have also looked into refurbishing it but say it would be costly and would destroy many of its historic features and it still wouldn't be able to handle any freight goods. Moving it is likely to cost over £250,000.

They had been working with both Planning and Jersey Heritage who had suggested it could be moved to outside the Maritime Museum but said they didn't have any funds to finance restoring it.

The Planning Committee said that although they were refusing the application, a different proposal which provides a more positive future for the crane, might be better received.