1,000 new homes in North move a step closer

The proposed Parc Le Lacheur development at Kenilworth Vineries

This will include 154 properties at Parc Le Lacheur, the new name for the former Kenilworth Vineries site which backs on to Leale's Yard, which is also earmarked for housing and other development.

The news was given by Deputy Peter Roffey in an update to members at this week's States meeting when he said that, "progress is at last accelerating with the Affordable Housing Development Programme."

In a general update as president of the Committee for Employment & Social Security, which is politically responsible for affordable housing, Deputy Roffey said:

"Crucially, at Parc Le Lacheur, it looks as though, at long last, we're close to a resolution of issues with flood mitigations which will allow the [Guernsey Housing Association] to crack on with the provision of up to around 154 housing units. The intention is to develop this large site in phases in order to ensure that the first homes come on line as soon as possible."

Development there has stalled over flood defences, something which has also been raised as an issue for Leale's Yard and the Bridge more generally.

What will be of particular interest to people living in the Vale and St Sampson's, Deputy Roffey added:

1,000+ new homes
"There are several designated housing sites in close proximity in the north of the island, which between them have the potential to deliver 1000+ new homes. The committee is keen to make sure that these sites can be developed sympathetically and effectively, bearing in mind the things that these communities will need, and the impact they will have on surrounding neighbourhoods and infrastructure.

"The committee, working closely with DPA [Development and Planning] and E&I [Environment and Infrastructure], has appointed Savills to work with key stakeholders such as the Douzaines, the owners of the sites, utility providers, the GHA and internal States of Guernsey subject matter experts on relevant topics such as biodiversity, transport, etc to ensure that these sites work alongside each other and the surrounding areas, as well as delivering on Government's key housing objectives. This Framework is due to be delivered in Q1 2025."

The update is expected to be discussed by the Vale Douzaine at its next meeting. ​