PLEMONT headland came a step closer to becoming open space for future generations to enjoy as a result of a States decision yesterday.

Despite warnings that the north-coast area could cost Islanders a minimum of £5 million, the States agreed to look into buying the old holiday camp site from its owners or swapping it for some other land.

At the request of the Constable of St Ouen, Ken Vibert, Members voted by 36-9, with five abstentions, that it would be in the public interest for Plémont to be ‘preserved as open space for the enjoyment of the public of the Island’.

They also agreed that the Council of Ministers should ‘consider all options’ for the preservation of the site.

They discussed a suggestion by the council that it could become a golf course, Deputy Paul Le Claire suggested an observatory be built there, and others said that it should remain empty.

In making his request, Mr Vibert said: ‘My proposition gives Members and the public an opportunity to retrieve this unique headland from the brink, a chance to rectify a mistake.

This is our very last chance to get back for the Island this particular headland.’