AN electrical substation and bin store could be built along the promenade in Gorey which would have an impact on views of Gorey Castle, if plans are approved.
The planning application, submitted jointly by Jersey Electricty and the Parish of St Martin, would see the construction of a three-metre tall, 11-metre wide shelter for seven commercial bins and a substation on Promenade Gardens.
A statement attached to the plans states the current electrical supply in the Gorey Harbour area is operating at “full capacity” meaning no further development can take place on properties unless a new substation is built.
The application highlighted a “minor negative impact” on views of Gorey Castle.
But resident Fraser Martin has told the JEP that the proposals would destroy one of the Island’s “most iconic views” if approved.
“A substation can go anywhere. It shouldn’t be in front of one of the most beautiful parts of the Island,” Mr Martin said, arguing it was the “wrong thing in the wrong place”.
The parish and Jersey Electricity decided to combine their plans into a singular site, their statement read, to “minimise impact on the surrounding area”, having ruled out areas surrounding Gorey Pier and the coach parking area, which are administered by Ports of Jersey and the Infrastructure Department respectively.
The proposed bin area is intended to mitigate a vermin issue currently caused by an “unofficial” store at the bottom of Mont de Gouray, which is currently used by businesses, that obstructs access to the castle and attracts rats to the public area, the plans say.
There would also be a new pathway on the east side of the Promenade Gardens as part of the plans.
The structure would also be created out of timber to encourage vegetation to grow over it and existing plants would be replaced as a “buffer” to the structure.
Mr Martin said: “[Businesses] do need a bin area, but the whole thing is really wrong.”
He is one of over 30 Islanders who have so far lodged a public comment against the plans.
In a statement provided to the JEP, Jersey Electricity said: “The current electricity network supplying the Gorey Harbour area is operating at full capacity, which poses a significant limitation on future domestic and commercial development in the region. The proposed new substation is crucial to address this issue, ensuring that businesses and properties can meet their growing electricity needs while also enhancing the resilience of the local infrastructure.
“This essential upgrade will have a positive impact on the area, improving the current Parish bin store and creating a safe and attractive pedestrian ‘gateway’ to the castle. With sensitive landscaping, the proposed plan has been created and assessed as having a minor negative impact on the surrounding area. The new site will be lower than the existing tall planting, which currently obstructs views of the historic features and buildings from both the promenade and the road during the summer months.
“In collaboration with the Parish of St Martin, we have thoroughly reviewed several sites for the substation. After careful consideration, this site has been identified as the most appropriate for the location. It also helps the Parish solve the issue of bin storage and will create a positive visual impact by removing the bins out of sight.”
