Vision for future of Guernsey harbours released

The report will help shape future developments along the island's east coast

A report on the future of Guernsey's two harbours and their surrounding areas has been released in a Local Planning Brief (LPB) by the island's government.

The draft Harbour Action Areas report by the Development and Planning Authority (DPA), sets out opportunities for change and enhancement along the east coast.

The report suggests 18 policies on areas including transport and parking, flood risks and creating a more people-focused environment.

DPA President Victoria Oliver said the committee had worked with the local community to prepare policies that would provide amenities for the benefit of the public and for Guernsey as a whole.

She said it had been important to ensure the policies in the report strike the right balance between protecting what makes the harbours unique with providing opportunities for investment.

Areas for consideration from the report

• More people-focussed harbours

• Building on "experience" economy to bring new and different visitors to St Peter Port and St Sampson

• Parking and charging for parking, including a multi-storey

• Strengthen purpose of St Sampson's Harbour and make more space for people on the Bridge

• More play areas for children

• Different road options in St Sampson for crossing the harbour to improve the bridge and movement generally – bridge road through the bridge

• Possible relocation of bus terminus

• Flood defence infrastructure

"It is important to note that the draft LPB is intended to be a strategic policy document, setting out at a high level the themes of development which could come forward and the issues that developers will need to consider when preparing planning applications," Deputy Oliver said.

The draft LPB does not prescribe specific developments on specific sites.

The DPA said it needed to be able to adapt to changes throughout its 10-year lifespan and also provide flexibility for developers.

"The high level approach taken to the draft LPB will also ensure that larger, strategic development schemes are well planned from the outset, providing the right mixture of social, environmental and commercial activities," the DPA president said.

She added: "This will inform the work of the Guernsey Development Agency, and any other potential developers, who are looking to invest in development opportunities within the Harbour Action Areas."

Islanders have until 14 October to share their views on the Local Planning Brief.

Subject to States approval, the report will become a formal amendment to the Island Development Plan and will provide a policy framework to guide and shape development around the harbours over the next decade, the DPA said.