A REDUCTION in the number of car parking spaces proposed as part of a new community garden scheme in St John has been met with disappointment by parishioners.
The plans, submitted by Constable Andy Jehan, will see an agricultural field turned into a “community garden and small 23-space car park to the south-east of the site for school staff parking”, if approved.
Design documents as part of the application note that “currently the parish encounters capacity issues” on nearby roads, with staff parking affecting road safety and sustainability.
Under the adapted proposals, parking provision would be significantly reduced compared to a previously approved scheme, dropping from 57 spaces to 23 which would be dedicated specifically for school staff.
But the move has been met with criticism, with a number of parishioners commenting on the application that the new proposals do little to alleviate parking concerns.
“This move does not give any more parking spaces to the everyday motorist,” said Joe Foott.
“Why are we, as rate payers, funding the cost of finding new parking spaces for the Education Department. I strongly would ask for this application to be dismissed.”
Similarly, Stephen Hewlett said: “It is a shame that the parking area proposed is not larger as it only seems to accommodate the school teachers at parish expense and who fill all the spaces alongside the roadway at present.
“The parishioners of St John who will be paying for this project, will still be expected to park at the roadside as will attendees of the proposed pétanque pitch, but only if space is available.
“Many studies have shown the chaotic parking around the church and shops, can this parking be enlarged?”
And, former parish Constable Graeme Butcher said he is “shocked and saddened” at the “vast reduction” of spaces from what was “originally planned” when the area was acquired.
He submitted: “The original plan was to move the Cenotaph into the corner of the field in a quadrant to hold the Remembrance Services, but the most important part of the plan was to create some 60 spaces at the southern end of the field.”
He added: “I totally object to the fact that parking spaces have been reduced to the level in this proposal and for its use to be for the school only, as it will only remove the cars from the playground and not assist other areas of concern to the community.”
Replying to them in a public comment, parish procureur Julian Guegan said the previous plans were rejected by the Planning Committee because, among other things, “dependency on the car had not been reduced”.
Meanwhile, Fiona Bell said the 23 spaces “seems excessive”, and asked if “proper consideration has been given to how many car park spaces are really necessary”.
Speaking to the JEP, Mr Jehan said: “If the school want to use the spaces they will have to pay either up front for the building costs, or if they don’t have the money, a monthly fee.”
He said he is unable to share a figure on this cost, as they are in discussions with suppliers – but added that “any money spent on the project will have to be approved by the Parish Assembly”, and that he is “happy to discuss proposals with anybody”.
