Proposals to switch the zoning of a housing target area at Belgrave Vinery to accommodate industry instead has been welcomed by the building trade.
Acting on a submission to the draft Island Development Plan Review from Policy & Resources, the latest vision is to shift the housing focus to undeveloped parts the Salt Pans instead because of the cost associated with flood protection work and moving sewage infrastructure.
To balance that out, Duval, Belgrave, and Fontaine would in a phased manner be developed as an industrial hub.
Consultation is open on the idea, which given the timeframes is still some years away.
“Construction and associated industrial, light industrial businesses of all sizes are an important part of our economy, providing a range of local services,” the Guernsey Building Trades Employers Association said.
“They all require premises and yards to base themselves, but with the demand for housing being so great, sites suitable for these industries are in increasingly short supply.
“The GBTEA supports Belgrave Vinery being zoned as key industrial area in the latest IDP draft review. Together with the adjacent new key industrial expansion area, it should help alleviate the pressure for suitable premises and given the nature of industrial premises, we believe it is sensible they are grouped together.
“We also believe it is a sensible step because it recognises the obvious presence of a foul sewer station and other essential infrastructure on the site, which makes it unsuitable for housing without very substantial re-configuration of that infrastructure.”
It has been estimated it would cost £5m. to move the sewage emptying point.
“Whilst we welcome Belgrave Vinery being zoned back to key industrial, it is frustrating that a lot of unnecessary disruption and expense was caused when many businesses were forced to move out of the site when it was prioritised for housing several years ago.”
The land has been earmarked for housing for decades.
“The IDP review is a just draft, issued for review and won’t be put to the States of Guernsey until April 2026 at the earlies, so wouldn’t come into effect until then. So unfortunately seeing anything happen on this site is years away.”
Have your say
People can read a summary document of the DPA’s proposed revised changes at gov.gg/IDPReview where they can share their views on the changes before 31st March 2025.
Alternatively, there is a paper form which is available from the webpage or from Edward T. Wheadon House, Le Truchot.
It is important to note that comments are only being invited on anything which has changed from the draft amendments published in June 2024.
Other draft amendments from June 2024 which have not been revised are still proposed but not subject to consultation at this time.
Any comments submitted last year will still stand and will be considered by the Planning Inspector as part of the planning inquiry process.
You can submit new comments, or update previous comments on relevant areas.
If you need any help having your say on these proposals, contact the Planning Inquiry team by calling 01481 223441 or emailing Planning.Inquiries@gov.gg.
After the consultation period has closed, the DPA will provide responses to the comments before the election.
It will then be for the newly-constituted DPA to invite further comments on the DPA’s responses.