The organisation says it is not a campaigning body but its work focusing on the Island’s history and conservation of its environment means it has concerns that a decision could be made – with the States due to consider the matter today – without proper understanding of the cultural significance of Westmount.
Its president, Nicolette Westwood, also described Westmount as ‘one of the most important and prominent landmarks in the Island’.
‘Société Jersiaise is not a campaigning body but among its aims are the dissemination of knowledge about the Island’s history, culture and natural history, and also an active interest in the conservation of the Island’s environment, both natural and man-made,’ she said.
‘We are very concerned that a decision to approve the principle of this proposed access might be made in the absence of a proper understanding of the cultural significance of Westmount as well as its scenic importance as one of the most important and prominent landmarks in the Island.’
The organisation has now produced an impact report on the historical and cultural content of the site, which it sent to States Members ahead of the debate.
It says the report is shorter than intended because the debate was brought forward by Senator Lyndon Farnham, who is leading the political oversight group for the new hospital.
‘Our conclusion, based on the lack of evidence to the contrary, is that the impacts of the proposed road access on the historical, cultural and visual significance of Westmount could be considerable and that a decision to proceed with this proposal without due regard to these matters would be very regrettable,’ said Société Jersiaise vice-president Stuart Fell.
