Plemont – Planning Panel to assess application for 28 houses

On the 7th October at 9.30 am at St Paul’s Centre in St Helier, the Planning Panel will be reviewing the current planning application for 28 houses on the former Pontin’s holiday camp. The National Trust is continuing to object on the basis that within the current Island Plan there is a presumption against the redevelopment of commercial buildings in the Green Zone. Although there are exceptions to the rule it is necessary for any such applications to demonstrate that they will enhance the character of the surrounding landscape. The Trust does not feel that 28 houses in three rural hamlets will in any way benefit the character of this sensitive coastal location and will urge the Panel to refuse consent. If you agree with our stance then please do feel free to attend this public planning meeting at the times stated.

Thank you for your support

A Line in the Sand: Details for the day

To help ensure that the event is a big success, please note the following guidelines:

GETTING THERE: Walk, cycle, drive (car share if possible) or take the bus. Connex are putting on three special buses to St Ouen’s Bay on Sunday morning leaving Liberation Station at 11.45am, 12 noon and 12.15pm, returning to St Helier at 3.00pm.

‘CYCLE TO THE SAND’: Cyclists are invited to meet at 12 noon at the start of the Railway Walk at St Aubin. This ‘Cycle to the Sand’ initiative has gratefully been arranged by Bob Vincent.

ENSURING THE EVENT IS A BIG SUCCESS:
Supporters need to be assembled for 2.00pm prompt for the aerial photo. Please allow ample time to arrive and join the line.

If you are driving, when you reach St Ouen’s Bay, please park in the public car parks or as directed by the honorary police.

Please take great care when crossing the road to the beach.

The starting point for the line is Le Braye (south side of the bay). Marshals will be on hand at other access points to direct you.

When joining the line, please stand facing the sea with enough gap between you and the next person to be able to form a human chain for the aerial photo. Please leave nothing behind but footprints.

THANK YOU: The National Trust would like to thank the many people who have been involved in making ‘A Line in the Sand’ happen.

Put Your Feet Where Your Heart Is at Le Braye

The Societe Jersiaise has offered its full support to the Line in the Sand on the 4th October. The President, Chick Antony, stated:

The Societe Jersiaise fully supports the campaign of the National Trust for Jersey to secure permanent protection for the Island’s coastline. The Societe’s Executive Committee urges its members to act positively to support the Trust’s Line in the Sand demonstration at St Ouen’s Bay on Sunday 4th October.

Numbers will count if States members are to be convinced of the depth of public opinion to which their decisions should respond. The simple act of turning up at 1.00 pm at Le Braye slip to be part of the aerial photograph at 2.00 pm could encourage Members to pay more than lip service to policies to protect our coastline.

Please put your feet where your heart is for an hour at Le Braye on Sunday 4th October at 1.00 pm.

Durrell stands shoulder to shoulder with the National Trust for Line in the Sand

Durrell Wildlife have offered their full support to The National Trust for Jersey’s campaign to protect Jersey’s coastline. Commenting on the forthcoming Line in the Sand event, Paul Masterton, Chief Executive Officer of Durrell Wildlife stated:

Durrell Wildlife is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with The National Trust for the Line in the Sand campaign to help preserve Jersey’s coastline. The precious habitats and ecosystems along our shores are essential for the wellbeing of wildlife and humankind and it’s time to treasure them for the good of all.

National Trust urges Minister to refuse consent for two houses at Wolf’s Caves

Planned development

Further to the recent application to construct two substantial residential units on the site of the former public house at Wolf’s Caves, The National Trust for Jersey has written to the Planning Minister to urge him to only permit one replacement dwelling as per the policies of the current Island Plan. The Trust believes that the preservation of our coastline is of paramount importance and must take preference over any architectural aspirations for the site. The letter can be viewed here http://www.nationaltrustjersey.org.je/coast/PDFs/Senator-Cohen-Draft-Objection.pdf

A Line in the Sand

Information will be on the site shortly at http://www.coast.je

Devil’s Hole Set for a Makeover

Devil's Hole

This week works have begun on the refurbishment of Devil’s Hole with the assistance of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers. The site was gifted to the Trust by the Clarke family at the launch of the Coastline Campaign in 2006 and it has always been the Trust’s aspiration since that time to help restore this much loved local beauty spot.

At the current time the extremely steep slope makes access rather difficult and with over 7 different types of hand rails leading to the viewing point, the natural beauty of the area is unnecessarily compromised. The plan is to replace the tarmac slope with a narrower footpath integrating timber sleepers, as commonly seen throughout the north coast. In addition a simple handrail will be installed to replace all the block work and garden fencing currently in situ. Interpretation will be provided about the history and geology of Le Creux du Vis, and it is also hoped to re-instate a statue of the Devil along the lines of the original C19 ship’s figurehead.

Mike Stentiford, President of the National Trust and Chairman of the Coastline Campaign commented:

“One of the key objectives of our ongoing campaign is to restore and manage our precious coastline and I can think of no better place to start than this much visited and well known site. Despite having fallen on hard times and becoming rather shabby in appearance, Devil’s Hole still provides stunning views across the dramatic cliffs and the other Channel Islands. With the generous and much appreciated assistance of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers we have a fantastic opportunity to improve the overall access and interpretation. We also hope that the Tourism Development Fund will recognize the importance of investing in such infrastructure and support us in our endeavors to care for Jersey’s coastal attractions including such idiosyncratic delights as Devil’ Hole.”