A FARMER in St John has had his bid to build a new 600sq-m shed rejected by the Planning Committee.
Parishioners turned out in force at the meeting on Thursday 16 January seeking to persuade committee members to back a recommendation from planning officers that the application, which was lodged by Jonathan Le Feuvre, should be refused.
The proposed shed of around 600 square metres and six metres in height at Le Feugerel Farm was described by planning officer Susannah de Gouveia as being contrary to policies for development in the green zone and was not essentially viable to the running of the farm. She went on to outline concerns about traffic generation and road safety.
Michael Bellamy, one of four residents to speak against the application, said those living nearby had reached a “state of despondency” as a result of noisy tractors and diesel fumes which caused householders to have to sit inside their properties with doors and windows closed on sunny days in summer.
Mr Bellamy said the parish lane leading to the site was “entirely unsuitable for a constant stream of heavy vehicles”.
“Approval [of this application] would legitimise harmful and unauthorised action that has degraded the local environment,” he added.
Jonathan Le Feuvre said the farm had been in his family’s ownership for three centuries and he had been involved for ten years. He said he had looked for alternative sites at which to locate the shed, but they were either too expensive or not fit for purpose.
Dairy farmer Andrew Le Gallais said Mr Le Feuvre’s business provided a valuable service to Island farms, delivering hay bales and collecting slurry.
Architect Mike Stein said young farmers should be supported and urged members of the committee to overturn the officer recommendation.
Committee chair Constable Philip Le Sueur said that while people living in the countryside should expect a certain level of agricultural traffic, he had been concerned by the untidy state of the farm during a site visit. “It doesn’t inspire confidence,” he said.
Constable Mark Labey said he was “appalled” by the continuing loss of agricultural buildings, and concerned by the lack of support for young farmers.
Deputy Steve Ahier said the applicant had his sympathy, as his business was “central to the rural economy”.
