Abandoned Harbour cycle track project with supplementary questions

4.14   Deputy G.C.L. Baudains of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services regarding the consultation and expenditure to date for the abandoned harbour cycle track project:

With regard to the abandoned harbour cycle track project, would the Minister advise what consultation took place, with whom and when, the cost of the project to date, including planning fees, and when the application was withdrawn?

Deputy K.C. Lewis (The Minister for Transport and Technical Services):

In May 2011, T.T.S. began preliminary work to scope possible solutions for a shared pedestrian cycle path on the western side of commercial buildings at English and French harbours which would reduce the potential for conflict between pedestrians and cyclists and the 10,000 vehicle movements to and from La Collette that occur each week day. The proposed concept was initially discussed with the Harbours Department to understand and address any operational issues they may have had and the then W.E.B. (Waterfront Enterprise Board) as the body tasked at that time to look into the development of the former La Folie pub. Following this, meetings were then held with representatives of the St. Helier Yacht Club and St. Helier Boat Owners' Association and the Jersey Marine Traders Federation in August 2011. The groups were shown drawings and a photo montage and the proposals were discussed to understand and address the concerns of these groups. In parallel to this, the scheme was also discussed in detail with the Planning Department and its Historic Environment Officer. As a result of these discussions, a specialist heritage architect was employed to ensure the heritage impacts of the proposals were mitigated before the planning application was made. The cost to the department of the work relating to the development of the proposals and preparation of the planning submission has been £8,915, including planning application fees. The application was withdrawn on 7th January.

1. Deputy G.C.L. Baudains:

Withdrawn on the same day that I lodged my proposition. Would the Minister advise what alternatives he is now considering to replace the previous scheme and will he be announcing those options before work is started?

Deputy K.C. Lewis :

Indeed. Apologies to Members. There was a delay in withdrawing the application as my Transport Officers were otherwise engaged at Liberation Station at that time. Yes, I am more than happy to discuss any future plans with Members.

2. Deputy J.H. Young:

Would the Minister please confirm or advise the Assembly whether the savings left after meeting the cost as he has explained of £391,000, however that will be used for improvements in other cycle routes throughout the Island, including alternatives to this particular one?

Deputy K.C. Lewis :

The figures that were provided were a ballpark estimate only. No M.D. (Ministerial Decision) to spend the monies has ever been presented or signed. However, to provide some context, the path's design life would have exceeded 100 years so basically no M.D. was ever signed to allocate the money.

3. Deputy G.C.L. Baudains:

There are 2 parts to my question. I wonder if the Minister could remind me on what date the Marine Traders Federation was consulted. I would inform him that I am a member of that body and I do not recall the consultation. Would he also explain why he believes that running the cycle track past the harbours would alleviate a danger to cyclists when, in fact, it would only take them down to La Collette where virtually the only vehicles are heavy goods vehicles? I really do not see the benefit.

Deputy K.C. Lewis :

My notes only say that the Marine Traders Federation was consulted in 2011. Basically, this was the last link in the chain which would take the whole cycle track from Corbière Lighthouse right the way round to Havre des Pas as the cycle track runs in front of the J.D.C. (Jersey Development Company).