Have your say on proposed harbour developments

When published, the document will identify opportunities for change and enhancement of this important area along Guernsey’s east coast and will guide and shape development over the next 10-20 years. The brief also extends to St Peter Port, and it is open to Vale and St Sampson's residents to comment on that too.

Vale Senior Constable Richard Leale said he encouraged anyone who hadn't yet done so to look at the proposals – available here – before the planning brief was finalised because the extent of any outcome would be significant.

"The Douzaine will be making its own views known in due course," he said, "and we have had a high-level appraisal given to us of the possible extent and scope of the vision for the areas, and it is extensive."

The Harbour Action Areas Local Planning Brief must respond directly to five main development objectives, which are to:

1. Provide infrastructure that protects Guernsey’s coast and harbours from current and future environmental threats.
2. Provide transport infrastructure which improves transport connectivity and choice to, within and between the main centres.
3. Provide infrastructure to develop modern and resilient harbours (taking into account Guernsey’s future harbour requirements, both in terms of operational requirements and the wider redevelopment of the east coast) which create opportunities to provide improved social, economic and environmental infrastructure.
4. Provide infrastructure that supports Guernsey’s housing requirements.
5. Provide infrastructure that supports existing business activity and creates new economic opportunities.

Together, the States says, this means addressing climate change; making places for all; being consistent with the States’ priorities and policies; and considering the health and wellbeing of all those on the island.

A menu of options ranges from effectively doing nothing to much longer term change and growth facilitated by a new port at Longue Hougue and other key relocations, illustrated in the image below.

"Looking at the longer-term potential development shows how significant the changes for the north could be," said Mr Leale. "Parishioners will have their own views on whether these are good, bad or even appropriate for what's often called the industrial north.

"That's why it's so important for people to go online and have their say about the forthcoming planning brief."

• The online survey starts here