Keep your hands off St. Aubin
From Jeremy Mallinson OBE

Dear Sir. We found that the leader article as regards car parking at St. Aubin’s (La Baguette Issue 1) presented a somewhat politically biased opinion. It only addressed the points that appear to favour St. Aubin as a much needed dumping site for the requirements of the St. Helier Waterfront developers. As the article concluding paragraph says: "Before anyone comes to a final conclusion, perhaps they should make an effort to understand the arguments". I would like to record the following points AGAINST any type of land reclamation at St. Aubin:
The States of Jersey Island Plan highlights the importance of maintaining the high quality of the Island’s unique environment. Also, that development within or affecting the setting of a conservation area (St. Aubin being one) will only be permitted where it would preserve, or enhance the architectural or historic character or appearance of the area concerned. The potential of a land reclamation scheme involving the destruction of the old granite wall of the North Quay, destroying the dramatic contour of the bay with the possible adverse effect upon the neighboring beach, and replacing it by concrete blocks and a sizeable car park, can only be considered to be totally contrary to preserving such an aesthetically pleasing environment. Of particular concern, as recorded during the States of Jersey St. Aubin’s Reclamation Debate (7 Dec. 2006), the provision of funds by the States for the reclamation would necessitate the installation of both commercial and residential property to recover costs.
Any land infill north of the harbour would be contrary to, and in conflict with, the terms of "The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species" and "The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats" to which the States of Jersey are signatories. The importance of this particular seashore habitat was highlighted by Jersey’s leading ornithologist, Mike Stentiford, who warned that reclaiming land in St. Aubin would destroy an internationally important winter feeding ground for various wading birds, and in particular Brent geese who fly thousands of miles annually to graze near the harbour; furthermore it is one of the few known places where Brent geese from both Canada and Russia feed together.
We disagree that aesthetically acceptable land reclamation developments, of over 130 years ago, should be destroyed to provide the Waterfront developers with a new landfill site, and the perceived need for extra parking. Also, the article refers to a report from engineers that ‘the North Arm of the harbour must be rebuilt’. If such work is necessary, we consider it to be of the utmost importance that an independent engineer’s report be obtained, and a realistic costing be made available for public inspection.
The article reports: "The Ministers seem willing to provide funds. They have said that an opportunity may not pass this way again". Such Ministerial comments can only appear to represent a degree of political blackmail. We owe it to future generations of the Island and for the Parish of St. Brelade, to take a longer-term view by rejecting politically motivated pressures. By saying to the developers ‘Keep Your Hands Off St. Aubin’ the Parish would be adopting a much admired forward thinking strategy, enabling St Aubin to preserve its unique natural and historical heritage, as well as maintaining its aesthetic value. This would represent a fine model for others to follow, by preventing one of Jersey’s finest gems succumbing to the desire of those people who wish ‘The Car to Become King’ at the expense of everything else. We must preserve the quality of St.Aubin’s unique coastal environment which forms an important part of the Island’s shrinking biodiversity.
Chairman
‘St. Aubin’s Anti-Reclamation Action Group’

Tendancy to fight change
From M. Watts

Dear Sir. May I congratulate you on your first edition of La Baguette. I'm sure that this newsletter will provide a much needed local focus for parish notices and comment.
I was particularly delighted that your front page editorial re-awoke the issue of reclamation and parking within St Aubin.
Within Jersey, there is a tendency to fight change. I was initially concerned about the impact of wild life as put forward by some local commentators, but having visited the northern pier many times, I can only conclude that the impact would be very small. I have tried to follow the other arguments put forward by the various lobbies and find that the reclamation really is the best option.
I wonder, if parish residents were shown some proposals in graphic form, eg ground plans and maybe artistic impressions of the area with it's new carpark and maybe without cars littering the harbour front, they might be persuaded that this change is for the good of both businesses and parish residents alike.
Quennevais, St Brelade
(Full address witheld on request)