Kayak centre plans at Les Amarreurs risks parking chaos, planners warned

The blue shaded area marks the approx. 2x4x5x6 sq m metre area that would provide room for trailers and a vehicle.

The potential conflict has been highlighted by Junior Constable Bill Cohu, who said the application by the States Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services on behalf of a private business would increase congestion in the area.

"If you read the application [available here] it envisages up to 30 people taking part in two or three separate sessions a day. That's potentially an extra 90 car movements as they come to the area in the peak months of July and August and the infrastructure can't cope. Existing users risk being displaced and it could be chaos," he said.

"Les Amarreurs is already a very popular area and the car parks are used extensively by beach-goers, fishermen, walkers and people taking children to the play area there," he said. "Taking space away for two trailers, a vehicle and storage for wetsuits and equipment will put too much pressure on an already overcrowded area."

In its application to the Development and Planning Authority, the States notes: "Examples of negative impacts include overcrowding during peak demand and the effect of disturbance on the environment, in particular damage to habitats and wildlife in particular, birdlife."

Mr Cohu said that up to 30 boats are moored in the bay and owners needed access to use them and access their crab and lobster pots as well as for recreational use.

Think it through
"The last thing we want to do is put obstacles in the way of someone else trying to make a living and take advantage of the water sport opportunities offered by Grand Havre," he said, "but this hasn't been through through properly."

The car park serving Ladies Bay (pictured right), although over-capacity at peak times, would be a better location because it filled up last. 

"I agree there are benefits from organised kayaking and paddle-boarding here but the authorities should put the infrastructure in place first. The toilets are already inadequate and so is the parking now – without attracting extra people to the area."

• Former Chamber of Commerce president Martyn Dorey presented plans to the douzaine some years ago for a proper watersports centre with allied facilities.