Alderney marina plans shelved over government breakwater review

The breakwater stretches out in front of Maggie's Bay and Braye Harbour

Plans for a marina have been shelved at a cost of £235,000 to the developer, because of a lack of "clarity" over the future of Alderney's breakwater.

The States of Alderney said it terminated the contract with Alderney Developments Ltd (ADL) because of timescale problems over a review by Guernsey's government.

Guernsey has been responsible for the breakwater since 1987.

ADL said its marina sea defence designs depended on the breakwater's future.

Engineering predictions suggest the above-water section of the breakwater, which would offer shelter to the marina at Maggie's Bay, is likely to be permanently damaged by storms or by movement at its base.

Alan Fulford, project director of ADL, said he had asked the States of Alderney to extend the contract until Guernsey's government had clarified its strategy for the future maintenance of the breakwater.

He said that any changes to the breakwater would "impact massively on our own designs" and that he was not consulted about the review.

The proposed development area for the marina sits just to the south of the breakwater

ADL had already invested £235,000 in drawing up plans with architects, lawyers and engineers, Mr Fulford said.

The head of Alderney's civil service, Victor Brownlees, said Alderney needed "greater clarity from the States of Guernsey" and that all future developments were on hold until Guernsey offered a "definitive timescale" for its review.

A spokesman from the States of Guernsey said a draft policy letter would "eventually" be discussed by the States to determine its future.

"The draft report and its proposals currently rest with the States of Alderney, and we are awaiting their feedback."

Guernsey spent approximately £25m on the breakwater between 1987 and 2014, according to figures provided to the States by the island's senior judge.