According to an application submitted by JCG, the road has become ‘increasingly high risk’ for students, parents and staff’ particularly during pick-up and drop-off times.
A design statement, submitted by the school, added that the bridge would also allow students to access playing fields that JCG hopes to build to the south of the site.
‘In order to improve access between the main Jersey College for Girls site and the grounds of Jersey College Preparatory, the proposed bridge across Claremont Road would provide safe access across an increasingly busy road,’ it says.
‘The proven need for a walkway would facilitate the ending of effectively two separate campuses and the creation of a safe route across one campus, and open access at all times during the school day to the further development proposals of playing fields 800 and 801 and the music facilities on the site of existing Claremont Lodge.’
The design statement added that the proposal was supported by St Saviour Constable Sadie Le Sueur-Rennard as well as by Claremont Road residents.
However, according to a transport consultation by the Growth, Housing and Environment Department, as the bridge only has ‘stepped’ access, it would not be compliant with new discrimination legislation introduced in 2013 as a ‘disabled person would be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison with persons who are not disabled’.
It added that an approved programme of maintenance and regular periodic inspections would need to be implemented to ensure the bridge remained in a safe condition.
