After pausing plans in July last year, Guernsey’s planning service has agreed to remove a condition that required the installation of grids and cycling infrastructure in the Water Lanes.
The decision comes following a request from Education, Sport & Culture, (ESC), with support from Environment & Infrastructure (E&I).
The condition was originally part of the 2022 redevelopment plans for the Les Ozouets Campus, and aimed to route pedestrians and cyclists away from Collings Road, which is known for being narrow and having vehicles frequently mount the footpath.
A Traffic Impact Assessment had suggested covering the open water drainage channels – known as douits – to create a wider, safer path for cyclists, however public opposition to the plans have resulted in it’s removal according to the President of ESC, Deputy Paul Montague.
Deputy Montague said, “A fundamental part of working for our community is listening and engaging when they communicate passionately with us on issues they care about, and we heard loud and clear that they did not support the proposed changes to the Water Lanes.
“While the safe travel of learners to and from the campus is incredibly important, I hope that this new approach will look at the area holistically, rather than the Water Lanes in isolation, for the benefit of all who use the area.”
The removal of the condition means the review will look at alternate plans for providing improved pedestrianisation and cycling infrastructure, and one that won’t cause a conundrum over valuing history and transition, or improving accessibility and travel routes, according to E&I President Deputy Adrian Gabriel.
Deputy Gabriel said, “We recognise the well-documented challenges along Collings Road which is why we are considering assessing the potential for longer-term solutions for the area. We have listened carefully to feedback from the community regarding the proposed changes to the Water Lanes to facilitate cycling, and we recognise the need to protect this unique environment.
“Traffic & Highway Services has worked closely with Education Capital Projects to explore alternatives that would avoid installing a grid over the stream. However, those options fall short of delivering the safety measures required to allow people to both walk and cycle safely through the narrower sections of the Water Lanes.”
While the committees looked for alternatives to avoid installing grids over the stream, no other options provided enough space for the planned improvements to benefit from, Deputy Gabriel added.
He said, “We have concluded that we need a wider infrastructure review of the entire area. This will need careful prioritisation with other competing projects and infrastructure improvements.
“Consultation responses highlighted that Collings Road presents difficulties for all road users.
The road is below the ideal width for two-way traffic, leading to vehicles mounting the pavement and creating hazards, while certain junctions pose visibility challenges that increase the risk of collision.
“While addressing these issues will be complex, we believe it is important to focus on resolving these underlying infrastructure constraints. Exploring improvements as part of the committee’s broader road network enhancements offers a more sustainable, long-term solution.”