From Karen McEwen.
AS a Jersey person born and bred but living in the UK, I consider my Island to be unique and one of the most beautiful places in the world, but recently my husband and I have become extremely dismayed at what is taking place with the new developments.

We consider the waterfront development a complete disaster and, quite frankly, a wasted opportunity. It is a very difficult place to get into unless you know where you are going, and the new hotel is such an awful eyesore from the outside.

Our next worry is what has been proposed for the Portelet Holiday Village site. We have recently had sight of the proposed plans, which are just abysmal – totally unimaginative flat or scooped-roofed boxes – who in their right mind would put the car parking in front of houses with that wonderful view?

Portelet Bay should be considered a world heritage site and any development must be carefully considered to blend in with the surroundings and take full advantage of the unique, outstanding natural beauty of the location.

The developers seem only to be interested in building as cheaply as possible for maximum profit.

As for the Planning Department, what are they thinking of in allowing such a development to take place? It has always been the responsibility of the Planning Office to safeguard the beauty of the Island. One must ask what has motivated them to give approval in this case.

My next concern is the proposed redevelopment of the Watersplash area. Clearly this building has been in need of a complete makeover for years, and the surrounding area and car park do need upgrading and landscaping. But hopefully this will be done tastefully and sympathetically.

A need for surfers’ lockers is, according to my daughter, who is a keen surfer, essential, and if we get rid of the odd assortment of huts which exist at the moment on the sea wall next to the Watersplash, it will make a big improvement.
Broad Leas,
226 Forest Road,
Tunbridge Wells,
Kent.