Move to set up Saltpans area ready for housing

The Guernsey Housing Association bought the site in 2022 and has been asked by the States of Guernsey to create housing on it

Outline planning permission is being sought by Guernsey's senior committee for infrastructure at the Saltpans so housing can be built.

Building up to 190 homes has been suggested for the site off Route Militaire, which is one of four in the area set aside for housing developments amid the island's housing crisis.

The plans include roads, pavements, cycle lanes, bus stops and associated drainage and utilities at the area which previously had plans for the building of a data park.

The Policy and Resources Committee said the plans for the site would support the delivery of new homes in the area and work towards the wider regeneration of the area near the Bridge.

In April, the committee ran drop-in sessions with the community which it said had helped develop the proposals.

"Over 100 people attended the sessions to discuss matters including wider connectivity, Bridge regeneration and junction improvements," it said.

The committee said the development was part of its ongoing focused review of the Island Development Plan, which is due to be considered by the States next year.

It said: "Ahead of this happening, the committee is keen to ensure that transport and utilities infrastructure for the site, and for other housing-designated sites in the area, is properly planned for maximum social, environmental and economic return."

A new committee is due to be elected after the new States term begins on 1 July, following last week's general election.

The name Saltpans dates back to before the Braye du Valle was filled in and sea salt was collected from the area for export to England.

The Braye, which at high tide separated Guernsey into two islands, was drained in 1806 so the area could be reclaimed.