PLANS to create a seabird sanctuary at Plémont have been given the green light despite concerns about the visual impact of the scheme.
Environment Minister Steve Luce has approved the construction of a 907-metre predator exclusion fence along the coast to the east of the site.
The application, which was classified as a minor development, was submitted by the Birds on the Edge partnership and had originally been approved by the Planning Committee in May 2025.
However, the decision was subsequently challenged, triggering a review by an independent planning inspector.
Inspector Philip Staddon recommended that permission be granted, despite acknowledging that the case involved “complex planning judgements”, particularly in weighing environmental benefits against landscape impact.
At the heart of the appeal was whether the introduction of a man-made structure in a sensitive coastal area could be justified by its ecological gains. The Plémont Headland Protection Group has raised several concerns about the scheme, including the scale of the proposed fence.
In his report, Mr Staddon said there was “comprehensive and credible” evidence that invasive predators are a key factor in the decline of seabird populations in the area.
He concluded that the proposed fence was a reasonable conservation measure, noting that similar schemes had been successfully implemented elsewhere with the support of international experts.
Deputy Luce accepted the inspector’s findings, concluding that while the development would cause some visual harm, particularly from certain viewpoints, this was outweighed by the environmental benefits.
In addition to excluding predators, the project will involve significant habitat restoration works.
Much of the site is currently dominated by bracken, which covers more than 96% of the vegetated area and supports relatively low biodiversity.
Its removal is expected to allow native plant species to return, creating a mix of coastal grassland and heathland, habitats favoured by burrowing seabirds such as puffins and Manx shearwaters.
Further measures are planned to encourage seabirds to recolonise the area, including the installation of artificial burrows and nest boxes, as well as the use of decoys and recorded colony sounds to attract breeding pairs.
Similar restoration work on nearby land managed by the National Trust for Jersey has already resulted in higher-than-expected levels of plant diversity.
The inspector also found the proposal to be in line with the Bridging Island Plan, stating that although it would introduce a new structure into a protected landscape, its design and alignment would help minimise its impact.
Permission has been granted subject to conditions and a planning obligation agreement.
