Second time lucky - £45m new Les Quennevais to go ahead

Thursday 19 October 2017

Plans to build the £45million new Les Quennevais School were this morning given the stamp of approval.

Construction work on the island’s first new secondary school in more than 10 years could now start as early as next year following the Planning Committee decision, with lessons in the new building planned to start by the September 2020 intake.

The project plans, which will see the school expand onto neighbouring fields, had been previously refused by the planning application committee over design and traffic concerns.

One happy head teacher. A new Les Quennevais School has just been approved pic.twitter.com/6JWxq9rzm7

— Tracy Mourant (@TracyMourant) October 19, 2017

During the hearing, Deputy Russell Labey complimented the look of the building, while Deputy Jeremy Maçon lamented the loss of green space, but approved it given its necessity.

No one spoke against the application and it was subsequently approved.

Education Minister Deputy Rod Bryans described himself as “over the moon” following the news, adding that he was “thrilled for the staff, pupils and parishioners who will benefit from this fantastic new facility. It has taken a great deal of hard work by many, many people to get to this point and I would like to express sincere thanks to everyone involved.” 

Minister Deputy Eddie Noel, Department for Infrastructure, added: “I’m delighted that the panel have passed this application and look forward now to be able to move ahead with the project and get the school open as soon as possible.”

Deputy Montfort Tadier, whose constituency includes Les Quennevais, commented on social media: "I'm delighted the new Les Quennevais School building has been approved just now by planning.

"At last the uncertainty is over and students and teachers will finally have the modern, fit-for-purpose building they so deserve!"