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Comité des Connétable s
Our ref: DM/srdeg/ 15 June 2023
Deputy Steve Luce
Chair, Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel BY EMAIL
Dear Chair
Bridging Liquid Waste Strategy 2023-26 Review
Thank you for inviting the Comité des Connétable s to submit comments for the review of the Bridging Liquid Waste Strategy 2023-26. Parishes have been affected by the historic underfunding of essential infrastructure- related services and projects and we welcome the strategy to upgrade the existing sewerage network to support population growth and the additional homes indicated in the Bridging Island Plan.
As identified in the Strategy, much of the existing sewerage network was built in the 1950s, or earlier, and was designed for a population of half the current number of residents. The capacity and extent of the network is already a limiting factor in the development of much needed homes in our island. Whilst planning criteria now permits a property to have a tight tank system, this can be costly to empty and should not be seen as the preferred solution.
Whilst the sewer system within the town area could be sufficient to enable further development, we understand there may still be a significant number of properties in rural areas of St Helier which remain unconnected to the mains drains system.
However, outside St Helier, several Connétable s have reported that their Parishes are particularly affected and proposed developments are on hold whilst issues are addressed. One such example is the Parish of St Ouen where the development of planned first-time buyer homes and sheltered housing will require an estimated investment of £1 million to connect to the mains drains network. Other Parishes also have areas of land identified for development in the Bridging Island Plan but, in practice, development is likely to be some years away as the current infrastructure is inadequate.
The installation of significant drainage infrastructure will also require major road work and this is likely to include the reconstruction of some roads to accommodate the sewer system. Whilst estimated costs are outlined in the strategy (£41.2m estimated to fund various Liquid Waste Strategy projects from 2022 – 2027 in addition to an estimated £47.5m required for Business as Usual' projects) the cost of such road repairs/reconstruction is not specifically mentioned. We are concerned at the significant impact this could impose on islanders over an extended period of such work and also about the implications for Parish budgets for by-roads (if funded only by the Parish an increase in the Parish rate will be required).
Given the range of different scenarios across the Parishes, we have only written in general terms about the Strategy but should more specific details be required in relation to any issue please do let me know.
Yours sincerely
Deidre Mezbourian
Vice Chairman, Comité des Connétable s
East Wing RJA&HS, Route de la Trinité, Trinity , Jersey, JE3 5JP Telephone: 01534 767555 W: comite.je