"We need to build homes and not boxes"

Friday 28 April 2017

A St. Clement resident has strongly criticised plans to put another 200 homes in the Parish, citing the lack of infrastructure surrounding the proposed Samares Nurseries site, and saying Islanders need "homes, not boxes."

John Shenton, who owns a property neighbouring the site as well as land that directly borders it, spoke at the latest Planning Committee meeting at which the application was deferred.

Mr Shenton told the Planning committee that they had to consider the fact that there was no infrastructure around the development, highlighting a lack of space in schools as well as the absence of supermarkets, cafes and chemists.

"This is a simple housing development with no additional infrastructure. We aren’t providing anything to anybody that would mitigate the fact that we have another 1000 residents that will be moving in in the area. The provision of amenities is extremely poor. You cannot simply create boxes for people to live in. You need to provide amenities so that they can enjoy the environment they live in and not have to leave to enjoy their lives.

"If you approve this development, you would simply be dumping people into the parish with no regards to their welfare of wellbeing. Yes it is a great place to build and yes it is unused, but we need to build homes and not boxes."

Ultimately, the Planning Committee decided to defer their decision for a month. Juliette Gallichan, the committee Chair explained: "We want to take the time to have detailed briefing on the traffic implications, taking in consideration other developments which are taking place in this area."

A subsequent statement added:

"The Planning Committee acknowledged concerns about overdevelopment of the area, parking and safety considerations raised by the police and parish, but said on balance, that its main concerns lay with the proposed traffic arrangements. As the site relies upon only one entrance onto La Grande Route de St Clement, the Committee has requested a special briefing so that it can better understand the implications of the development on the surrounding highway network. It hopes to be able to conclude its deliberations in time for its next meeting on 1^st June 2017."

The Samares Nurseries development includes 200 affordable homes, separated in 20 one-bedroom, 89 two-bedroom and 91 three-bedroom houses. Andium Homes will buy all 200 properties, with the intent to rent out 160 of them and to reserve 40 units to first-time buyers.

The committee also refused the redevelopment of the Little Grove Nursing Home in St. Lawrence as they had concerns over the elevation of the proposed new building in relation to a listed building nearby.