Leale's Yard work may not start until 2026 - P&R

The CI Coop and developers Omnibus submitted plans to build more than 300 homes on the site two years ago

Guernsey's chief minister has warned development may not start at Leale's Yard until at least 2026.

The Channel Islands Co-operative and developers Omnibus submitted plans to build more than 300 homes on the site two years ago and since then the States has been in discussions with the developers about the possibility of buying some of the homes.

But President of Policy and Resources (P&R) Lyndon Trott revealed there had been "enormous complications associated with the site".

A spokesperson for Omnibus declined to comment.

Deputy Trott said he hoped proposals looking at the cost of buying the homes would be published before the end of the year.

After being elected as P&R president in December 2023, Mr Trott said he believed "spades could go in the ground" on the site before the end of 2024.

'Stumbling block'

But answering questions from Deputy Gavin St Pier about the project on Wednesday, Mr Trott said: "What has transpired is there are enormous complications associated with the site."

The complications have included issues with the how new roads may access the site and concerns about modular methods of construction.

Guernsey’s States has also warned of the risk of flooding in the area.

Mr Trott added: "The real stumbling block is the importance of ensuring real value for money for the taxpayer and understanding the safety requirements, particularly around fire risks.

"All of these things are deeply frustrating.

"I would say it could be as late as 2026 before development commences, it's not what I want to say, it's not what you want to hear but it is the honest answer Deputy St Pier was hoping for."