New hospital build concerns ‘mitigated’

New hospital build  concerns ‘mitigated’

David Hiller, who wrote a report into the potential noise impacts of the building work, said that there were two main areas of ‘significant’ concern for disruption but that the latest proposals had mitigated those factors.

He said the noise for Lewis Street residents would be increased due to traffic diversions during the build but said these levels would ‘not be enormous’.

However, he admitted that they would be increased significantly above current levels.

And he said the new phased approach to building work meant that disruption to patients being treated in the granite block during the second phase of the build had been ‘addressed by the relocation of those people’ once the first phase of the project had been completed.

However, residents groups raised concerns about the construction and said the proposed site – on the grounds of the existing hospital – meant that a large number of residents and businesses would be affected.

John Baker, who sits on the St Helier Roads Committee, said the Victorian buildings along Kensington Place could suffer structural damage as a result of the nearby demolition of areas to accommodate the new hospital.

He said: ‘Neighbours are greatly concerned about the damage to properties. The Victorian properties have shallow foundations and so neighbours are concerned about damage to their properties.’

Earlier in the hearing, independent planning inspector Philip Staddon – who is chairing the inquiry – expressed his concerns over the potential noise and air pollution such a major project could have but said it was unlikely to be a material concern when it came to making his findings.

He said: ‘I think it is important to be clear that in terms of my role in advising the minister, I’m unlikely to change my position from that I adopted last year.

‘Construction and demolition impacts are an inevitable part of any major urban project and need to be properly managed.

‘I don’t see this as a potential approval or refusal issue.’

Meanwhile, the inquiry also heard about the traffic impact the proposed new hospital could have on the area. Mr Staddon heard the sustainable transport links such as cycling, walking and bus routes diminished greatly if the project were to be moved outside of town.

Alex Welch, lead transport planner for the project, explained that there would be increased parking capacity included at Patriotic Street car park and that the close proximity to the bus station meant many Islanders could walk from there.

He said a survey of travel conducted last year found that 42.3 per cent of staff travelled by car to the hospital and 64.7 per cent of patients.

However, Mr Baker said bus routes and improved pedestrian access was unlikely to decrease the number of cars driving to the hospital as disabled and injured patients would be unable to walk or cycle.

The inquiry was due to continue, with potential alternative sites being discussed.

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