From S Le Breton.
SPIRIT of the green zone . . . that is the latest of the terms being used to derail yet another planning application. I am referring to the article (27 November) regarding the application by Peter Weaver to demolish a bungalow and put up a two-storey family home at Ouaisné opposite the Smugglers Inn.Here we have a Jerseyman who just wants to construct a nice quaint home and not a block of apartments — but there is still the same opposition as usual from the few. What is Deputy Ferguson talking about? I quote: ‘I think the design is lovely but there is very little space for amenities.’

What does it matter to anyone other than the occupier how much amenity space there is? Hardly a reason for objection, is it? As for the Smugglers Inn, how long will it be there anyway? With current trends to cut spending due to GST, and a looming recession, I wouldn’t be surprised if it were the next establishment to suffer.

Please remember that Mr Weaver is not building in the green zone but doing in my opinion what he should be doing, which is building on an existing plot and therefore saving our green areas.

I believe, as do Godel Architects, that this will be a significant improvement on what is — and has been for some time — a neglected area. Ouaisné in general needs new life injected into it, and what a way to get things started by building a traditional style home with a modern twist.

As for the offering of percentage for art, I feel that this has no relevance in this case anyway. It is only one house we are talking about here, and a pretty conventional one at that. I believe that this is a tool for the Planning department who have the impossible task of softening the blow for those who object to anything that involves change.

Of course, when all is said and done, none of us mere mortals has any say in what gets passed anyway. It’s over to you, Freddie!
The Barn,
Rue du Bourg,
St Clement.