States disappointed about over-development in Herm

Guernsey States said preserving Herm's natural beauty was important

Officials in Guernsey have written to the new management of Herm to express their disappointment about the over-development of the island's campsite.

States Property Unit (SPU) particularly pointed out the number of sheds, fences and artificial grass.

SPU and Herm management met to agree new guidelines on the use of storage and perimeter fences.

They are due to be passed on to those who rent the sites in a meeting at the Mermaid Tavern on Saturday.

'Maintain Herm's natural beauty'

Herm Island leaseholder John Singer has written to all campers saying: "Herm has pointed to it being completely inappropriate to return campers’ equipment to Guernsey each autumn, only to bring it all back again each spring.

"The States have questioned whether storage sheds comply with the governing principle of the lease, including maintenance of the natural beauty of the island."

In the letter, seen by the BBC, he said a set of guidelines have been drawn up by SPU.

They include that camping equipment is placed in watertight containers over the winter, rather than individual sheds.

SPU said it did not wish to see any new sheds erected, but has reluctantly agreed that they can be used on larger plots with the maximum dimensions of 2.4m by 1.2m (8ft by 6ft) and no higher than 2.4m (8ft).

However, they must be used for winter storage only.

'Collaborative approach'

SPU said it wanted to see the use of fences "discouraged or eliminated" and replaced by native shrubs.

It also said that it would like to see a summer house erected on a plot removed.

SPU said it had previously agreed that small sheds could be used for winter storage.

In a statement it said: "However, the extent of recent alterations and additions are at risk of detracting from the 1946 resolution, and the preservation of the natural environment.

"At the recent meeting Herm and SPU discussed, and agreed that a collaborative approach would be best, and a set of guidelines were agreed with Herm.

"These were subsequently drafted by SPU and passed on to Herm."