From the late1970s, a look at St Ouen’s Bay from the St Ouen’s Bay Protection Campaign Committee., with interesting notes on the area. The filling station is long gone along with several other places noted in this report!
St Ouen’s Bay: A Future for All, 50p
ST. OUEN'S BAY PROTECTION CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
C/o FIVE MILE ROAD FILLING STATION, ST. OUEN.
REPORT ISSUED BY THE ST, OUEN’S BAY PROTECTION CAMPAIGN
INTRODUCTION
1 The St. Ouen's Bay Protection Campaign was formed in May 1977 as a result of the opposition within' the Island, and especially the Bay area, to the proposals drawn up by Land Use Consultants at the request of the I.D.C. These proposals covered various aspects of the Bay but emphasised the need to reduce the current usage of Les Blanches Banques. In order to bring this about the L.U.C. Report proposed the development of a Northern Recreation Area to be a focal point in the northern end of the Bay in order to relieve the congested areas of the south.
1/1 It was this development which the residents of the Bay and the Island as a whole, felt was totally out of keeping with the needs of the Bay - even whilst the recommendations of the L.U.C. Report for Conservation and the environment were well covered and desperately needed. For these reasons the Protection Campaign was formed to draw up an alternative to the L.U.C. Report as laid down in the Campaign Manifesto agreed upon at a Public Meeting on 16th June, 1977.
1/2 The Committee have now been able to carry out a detailed survey of the immediate needs of the Bay, both from a general environmental point of view and by taking into account the amenities offered and their usage by the Public in general. From the proposals which follow it will be seen that the Campaign does not accept the need for a central focal point anywhere in the Bay since any such concentration in a single area would result in severe damage regardless of where this area was situated. We have suggested instead that to cater public needs, car parks should be placed
2/9 FINANCE. Financing of these proposals would require an annual vote by the States to be added to Public Works Budget, but earmarked for the realization of the Bay Scheme. The existing sand levy should be continued in order to finance the restoration of sand excavations.
2/10 The Campaign Committee feel that there are several bodies who individually have specialist knowledge of several aspects relating to the ecology of the Bay, as well as an interest in providing an area of beauty for public enjoyment. Such organisations would probably be most willing to participate in a community project of this nature. Their participation would help to ensure the widest possible involvement. The benefits would be far-reaching and for the good of the Island as a whole. Grants in various forms - e.g. the supply of materials and equipment, the provision of trees, bushes etc. -should therefore be made available to such societies. Advice should also be made available to any bodies willing to undertake projects for which they do not have the necessary experience and knowledge.
2/11 VOLUNTARY AID. In the Campaign Manifesto the underlying principle was that the Bay should be designed for the people by the people. With this in mind the Committee feel that as much of the Bay as possible should be made accessible to the public and that wherever feasible public participation in the general control and management of the area should be encouraged. To achieve this aim, the Committee recommend that voluntary associations be approached. Any who are interested should be asked to undertake projects within the Bay and their undertakings incorporated in a Grants Scheme. The areas in which such co-operation could be encouraged are varied and would naturally be geared to suit the individual Societies' interests.
Other activities including tree planting, light ground clearing, grassing, fence restoration/removal and general Park Management could all be undertaken by voluntary workers, with emphasis on youth involvement, which would help to create an active interest in the future of the Bay.
2/12 It is hoped that with adequate publicity of these activities through the media, greater public participation would result. This in the long term would help to create a wider understanding of Conservation and an interest in Ecology of the Bay.
GENERAL ITEMS RELATING TO THE BAY AS A WHOLE
3 Arising from the Campaign Manifesto the Committee have tried to fulfil two ideals:-
(a) The provision of facilities for non-organised recreation to be enjoyed by all who visit the Bay.
(b) The Conservation of the Bay bearing in mind the complexities of its several areas.
To meet these requirements the Committee are of the opinion that the whole Bay area should be incorporated into an Open Park.
3/1 The Committee agrees that the Bay suffers at present from a basic lack of care and management in past years. Many minor features present eyesores whose removal would go a long way towards bringing about a rapid improvement in the general appearance of the area, which would in turn awake the Public to the need for conserving the Bay as a whole. These minor improvements would neither be costly nor time consuming but the results would be readily appreciated.
3/2 ZONED AREA. Since the St. Ouen’s Bay area consists of several regions each containing varying types of fauna and flora, and each subject to a very fine balance of nature, any over-use at any time could cause serious upset. Due to recent action being taken certain areas which have suffered in the past from over-use are now showing signs of recovery. Climatic conditions however, e.g. a long hot summer or a very wet winter, can adversely affect different areas differently.
As a safeguard for the future the Campaign Committee feel that a simple colour-coding system should be employed. Parking signs, road signs etc. could be coded as and when the need arose, the Management Committee having powers to change such coding without prior notice where it was felt necessary to do so. Such a system once generally understood would immediately inform the Public of problems associated with particular areas. For example:-
RED - Could indicate "no heavy or continuous usage" (e.g. the area of Les Blanches Banques).
YELLOW - Could indicate an area recovering-from over-usage.
GREEN - An area subject to normal recreational use.
BLUE - An area designated for a change in use.
With such a system of coding the Honorary Police would be able to identify immediately any incorrect use and to take the appropriate action.
3/3 SAND EXTRACTION. Where sand excavation takes place every effort should be made to blend excavation into the surroundings. The present practice of banking obstructs all vision, and with wind erosion etc. constitutes an unsightly embankment out of keeping with the overall concept of the Bay. Instead of banking existing levels should be lowered so that from the road a better viewline of the area beyond the sand pits may be obtained.
AREAS OF THE BAY IN DETAIL
So that the complexities regarding conservation may be properly examined, the Campaign Committee feel that each area requires individual attention. We thus present them in geographical sequence working north to south landwards of the Five Mile Road to La Pulente, and likewise on the Coastal Strip. It has been assumed that all parts relevant are either States owned or will be leased by the States with the voluntary co-operation of land-owners.
LANDWARD SIDE OF FIVE MILE ROAD
4/1 La Grande Cueillette - Between Winstons Restaurant and Five Mile Road Filling Station. The Committee feel that some of the residences within the Northern end of the Bay require considerable attention in order to blend visually with the environment. Such improvements should be the concern of the Management Committee and a Residents Association. Tree-planting, landscaping and improvement of accesses should be undertaken by the States as an incentive to the residents, since without the co-operation of all concerned the proposals could not be carried out. At all times the moral obligation toward householders must be safeguarded. Since several Committee Members live within this area we do not feel able to detail these proposals at this stage. Such details are a matter not only for the Management Committee but also for the residents.
4/2 Area of open-ground between Five Mile Road and Chemin du Moulin extending from Westward-Ho to Chemin de L'Ouziere. This area consists of very ill-kept and despoiled lands which require urgent attention. Sections are in private ownership and as such may restrict an overall plan unless owner participation can be encouraged through leasing. The area immediately adjacent to Chemin de L'Ouziere is subject to sand excavation which is likely to continue for several years before it can be in-filled and restored to its natural landscape. As previously said the Committee feel that this whole area should be considered as an open park for unorganised recreation in order that the varying features, the dumps, sand pits, open grasslands and trees may be blended into one acceptable feature of the Bay.
4/3 The existing above-ground dumps are totally out of keeping with any of the land forms within the Bay and their levelling and treatment is a first priority. The Committee feel that an answer can be found in the excavation of the current sand pits. Once worked-out these will require in-filling and since they are immediately adjacent to the over-dumped areas at Kempt Tower the worked-out pits should be filled with the surplus material which has been over-dumped. This would serve three purposes:-
(a) The sand pits would quickly be filled to their original levels.
(b) The current eyesore of the over-dumped areas would be reduced.
(c) By this reduction and removal of surplus material the remaining dumps could more easily be resculptured to blend with the surrounding areas in the form of rough dunes, thus providing areas for picnic parking within the dumps with access from the Parish Road joining Chemin du Moulin to the Five Mile Road
The National Trust property situated between the two dumps could then be tidied up, drained and with co-operation of the Trustees, incorporated into the overall plan.
4/4 The area of lowland adjoining the dump to the north forms a natural barrier ecologically between the two area. The high ground of the over-dumped area should accordingly he lowered. This will necessitate culverting the existing stream and this would prevent any further pollution reaching the beach.
4/5 Once the dump areas have been landscaped, grassed and had trees planted wherever possible, the area will become more visually acceptable. By this example it is felt that the lowland grass areas currently in private ownership could probably be leased and incorporated into the overall plan for the park area. Such leasing would be subject to the owners’ acceptance of the proposed use of the land and on condition that any change in use would automatically require re-negotiation of such leases. This entire area could then be landscaped and, with the addition of tree and shrub planting, would provide an attractive area for picnicking and walking. Access would be provided at the currently closed entrance opposite La Crabiere on the Five Mile Road with the provision of an off-the-road car-park behind the existing trees, preferably reinforced to prevent erosion, and enclosed by granite posts as previously described to prevent access of cars to the park area.
4/6 St. Ouen's Pond. This area of the Bay surrounding the Pond is an area of ecological importance and as such requires expert attention. Before any decision can be made however the requirements of the unique fauna and bird life must be evaluated. For this reason the Committee feel unable to comment further without specialist advice. We do feel however that subject to the agreement of experts, the Pond-area could be de-weeded and made more attractive.
4/7 Southern Sand-Pit Area. This area between Les Blanches Banques and Rue du Clos Luce is unkempt and consists mainly of sand excavation. We understand that part of this area is under consideration for the proposed aquifer. It would seem therefore that until detailed plans are drawn up little change can be made. The existing sand workings however should be made to conform with our previous suggestions for de-banking. Additionally the area behind the sand pit should be cleared, grassed and let for grazing wherever possible.
4/8 Les Blanches Banques. The banking along the Five Mile Road side of Les Blanches Banques restricts the view of the dunes when approached from La Pulente. If the bank was lowered to within two foot of the road level the visual outlook of the dunes would be much improved. Existing car parks are more than adequate. The present policy of conservation should be continued indefinitely but with stricter controls on horse-riding among the dunes. The dune-vegetation appears to be recovering and this should be carefully monitored to ensure that no encroachment of gorse and bracken takes place.
4/9 Area between Le Braye Slip and La Pulente. This area incorporates several attractive features of the Bay. The Committee would recommend that the landward area and the coastal strip should be considered together.
The small car park on the Five Mile Road north of La Pulente provides a perfect facility for picnicking and walking among the slopes leading to La Moye Common, and it is felt that with the placing of suitable occasional seating the panorama of the Bay and the other islands could be enjoyed more fully. The area opposite this car park again offers an ideal natural picnic area but possibly requires the provision of a small additional car park on the coastal side opposite the existing park. From this new car park footpaths could lead to various areas where pine tables and benches could be set in the natural recesses of the area which themselves provide ideal secluded picnic sites.
The old Quarry on the landward side should be kept as an overspill park, again allowing access by footpath to seaward picnic area. The existing path to the side and above the Quarry should be made more accessible with rough steps where necessary, thus Providing excellent views of the Bay. The Committee are of the opinion that this area would be far more suitable for walking than the scarp slope to the north as was suggested in the L.U.C. Report, since it does not overlook private residences.
4/10 The car park at the top of the slipway would be enhanced by the erection of a small granite safety wall in place of the existing overgrown bank and the parking area should be levelled below the existing granite curbs and shingled. The properties opposite La Pulente slipway do not enhance the amenities but with the application of the same proposals as La Grande Cuillette (Para 4/1 above) could be made to blend more satisfactorily into their surroundings.
4/11 The Corbière Walk. The footpath to Petit Port should be highlighted and the Quarry on Mont de la Pulente cleared in order to provide safe off-the road parking for walkers.
THE COASTAL STRIP
4/12 Les Laveurs. The Committee agree that kiosk/toilet facilities as already proposed are essential in the Bay complex. These would naturally include limited parking facilities sufficiently adequate to serve the kiosk/slipway and a general picnic area to the north of Les Laveurs slip. In our opinion the picnic area now closed to vehicles should remain closed thus permitting a large area to accommodate unorganised sporting activities (apart from the use by the traditional annual Inter-Vingtaine Tug of War Championships as at present), kite-flying etc. as well as picnicking.
4/13 The Chateau Plaisir. It is understood that various alterations are shortly to be undertaken and, once concluded, should greatly improve the overall impression of this property and its surrounding grounds.
4/14 The Barge-Aground. This building is a unique feature of the Bay and warrants preservation. The Campaign Committee feel however that the retaining wall should be rebuilt and lowered and the building itself renovated and maintained in an acceptable condition. This cost should be borne by the States as the site is a prominent feature of the Bay and used to the benefit of the Islands' Youth. Grants and practical help should be given to organisations doing any part of the renovation and maintenance as a voluntary project.
4/15 Sable D'Or Car Park. The Committee suggest that if the owners of this property were approached the car park area could be encircled with granite pillars to prevent any further erosion of the surrounding land and to ensure that car parking was carried out only on the existing concrete surfaces.
4/16 La Crabiere Bunker - Opposite Five Mile Road Filling Station. The area immediately to the front. of the entrance to this Bunker (just off the road) could be cleared to provide a slightly larger casual parking area than It present. The facilities should however be encircled by granite posts close enough to prevent vehicular access to the area behind the Bunker. A small but secluded picnic area at the back of the Bunker entrance and the main chamber along the sea wall would then be created.
4/17 La Crabiere - Northern Surfing Area - Car Park. It is felt that the present car park serves two purposes :-
Other activities including tree planting, light ground clearing, grassing, fence restoration/removal and general Park Management could all be undertaken by voluntary workers, with emphasis on youth involvement, which would help to create an active interest in the future of the Bay.
2/12 It is hoped that with adequate publicity of these activities through the media, greater public participation would result. This in the long term would help to create a wider understanding of Conservation and an interest in Ecology of the Bay.
GENERAL ITEMS RELATING TO THE BAY AS A WHOLE
3 Arising from the Campaign Manifesto the Committee have tried to fulfil two ideals:-
(a) The provision of facilities for non-organised recreation to be enjoyed by all who visit the Bay.
(b) The Conservation of the Bay bearing in mind the complexities of its several areas.
To meet these requirements the Committee are of the opinion that the whole Bay area should be incorporated into an Open Park.
3/1 The Committee agrees that the Bay suffers at present from a basic lack of care and management in past years. Many minor features present eyesores whose removal would go a long way towards bringing about a rapid improvement in the general appearance of the area, which would in turn awake the Public to the need for conserving the Bay as a whole. These minor improvements would neither be costly nor time consuming but the results would be readily appreciated.
3/2 ZONED AREA. Since the St. Ouen’s Bay area consists of several regions each containing varying types of fauna and flora, and each subject to a very fine balance of nature, any over-use at any time could cause serious upset. Due to recent action being taken certain areas which have suffered in the past from over-use are now showing signs of recovery. Climatic conditions however, e.g. a long hot summer or a very wet winter, can adversely affect different areas differently.
As a safeguard for the future the Campaign Committee feel that a simple colour-coding system should be employed. Parking signs, road signs etc. could be coded as and when the need arose, the Management Committee having powers to change such coding without prior notice where it was felt necessary to do so. Such a system once generally understood would immediately inform the Public of problems associated with particular areas. For example:-
RED - Could indicate "no heavy or continuous usage" (e.g. the area of Les Blanches Banques).
YELLOW - Could indicate an area recovering-from over-usage.
GREEN - An area subject to normal recreational use.
BLUE - An area designated for a change in use.
With such a system of coding the Honorary Police would be able to identify immediately any incorrect use and to take the appropriate action.
3/3 SAND EXTRACTION. Where sand excavation takes place every effort should be made to blend excavation into the surroundings. The present practice of banking obstructs all vision, and with wind erosion etc. constitutes an unsightly embankment out of keeping with the overall concept of the Bay. Instead of banking existing levels should be lowered so that from the road a better viewline of the area beyond the sand pits may be obtained.
AREAS OF THE BAY IN DETAIL
So that the complexities regarding conservation may be properly examined, the Campaign Committee feel that each area requires individual attention. We thus present them in geographical sequence working north to south landwards of the Five Mile Road to La Pulente, and likewise on the Coastal Strip. It has been assumed that all parts relevant are either States owned or will be leased by the States with the voluntary co-operation of land-owners.
LANDWARD SIDE OF FIVE MILE ROAD
4/1 La Grande Cueillette - Between Winstons Restaurant and Five Mile Road Filling Station. The Committee feel that some of the residences within the Northern end of the Bay require considerable attention in order to blend visually with the environment. Such improvements should be the concern of the Management Committee and a Residents Association. Tree-planting, landscaping and improvement of accesses should be undertaken by the States as an incentive to the residents, since without the co-operation of all concerned the proposals could not be carried out. At all times the moral obligation toward householders must be safeguarded. Since several Committee Members live within this area we do not feel able to detail these proposals at this stage. Such details are a matter not only for the Management Committee but also for the residents.
4/2 Area of open-ground between Five Mile Road and Chemin du Moulin extending from Westward-Ho to Chemin de L'Ouziere. This area consists of very ill-kept and despoiled lands which require urgent attention. Sections are in private ownership and as such may restrict an overall plan unless owner participation can be encouraged through leasing. The area immediately adjacent to Chemin de L'Ouziere is subject to sand excavation which is likely to continue for several years before it can be in-filled and restored to its natural landscape. As previously said the Committee feel that this whole area should be considered as an open park for unorganised recreation in order that the varying features, the dumps, sand pits, open grasslands and trees may be blended into one acceptable feature of the Bay.
4/3 The existing above-ground dumps are totally out of keeping with any of the land forms within the Bay and their levelling and treatment is a first priority. The Committee feel that an answer can be found in the excavation of the current sand pits. Once worked-out these will require in-filling and since they are immediately adjacent to the over-dumped areas at Kempt Tower the worked-out pits should be filled with the surplus material which has been over-dumped. This would serve three purposes:-
(a) The sand pits would quickly be filled to their original levels.
(b) The current eyesore of the over-dumped areas would be reduced.
(c) By this reduction and removal of surplus material the remaining dumps could more easily be resculptured to blend with the surrounding areas in the form of rough dunes, thus providing areas for picnic parking within the dumps with access from the Parish Road joining Chemin du Moulin to the Five Mile Road
The National Trust property situated between the two dumps could then be tidied up, drained and with co-operation of the Trustees, incorporated into the overall plan.
4/4 The area of lowland adjoining the dump to the north forms a natural barrier ecologically between the two area. The high ground of the over-dumped area should accordingly he lowered. This will necessitate culverting the existing stream and this would prevent any further pollution reaching the beach.
4/5 Once the dump areas have been landscaped, grassed and had trees planted wherever possible, the area will become more visually acceptable. By this example it is felt that the lowland grass areas currently in private ownership could probably be leased and incorporated into the overall plan for the park area. Such leasing would be subject to the owners’ acceptance of the proposed use of the land and on condition that any change in use would automatically require re-negotiation of such leases. This entire area could then be landscaped and, with the addition of tree and shrub planting, would provide an attractive area for picnicking and walking. Access would be provided at the currently closed entrance opposite La Crabiere on the Five Mile Road with the provision of an off-the-road car-park behind the existing trees, preferably reinforced to prevent erosion, and enclosed by granite posts as previously described to prevent access of cars to the park area.
4/6 St. Ouen's Pond. This area of the Bay surrounding the Pond is an area of ecological importance and as such requires expert attention. Before any decision can be made however the requirements of the unique fauna and bird life must be evaluated. For this reason the Committee feel unable to comment further without specialist advice. We do feel however that subject to the agreement of experts, the Pond-area could be de-weeded and made more attractive.
4/7 Southern Sand-Pit Area. This area between Les Blanches Banques and Rue du Clos Luce is unkempt and consists mainly of sand excavation. We understand that part of this area is under consideration for the proposed aquifer. It would seem therefore that until detailed plans are drawn up little change can be made. The existing sand workings however should be made to conform with our previous suggestions for de-banking. Additionally the area behind the sand pit should be cleared, grassed and let for grazing wherever possible.
4/8 Les Blanches Banques. The banking along the Five Mile Road side of Les Blanches Banques restricts the view of the dunes when approached from La Pulente. If the bank was lowered to within two foot of the road level the visual outlook of the dunes would be much improved. Existing car parks are more than adequate. The present policy of conservation should be continued indefinitely but with stricter controls on horse-riding among the dunes. The dune-vegetation appears to be recovering and this should be carefully monitored to ensure that no encroachment of gorse and bracken takes place.
4/9 Area between Le Braye Slip and La Pulente. This area incorporates several attractive features of the Bay. The Committee would recommend that the landward area and the coastal strip should be considered together.
The small car park on the Five Mile Road north of La Pulente provides a perfect facility for picnicking and walking among the slopes leading to La Moye Common, and it is felt that with the placing of suitable occasional seating the panorama of the Bay and the other islands could be enjoyed more fully. The area opposite this car park again offers an ideal natural picnic area but possibly requires the provision of a small additional car park on the coastal side opposite the existing park. From this new car park footpaths could lead to various areas where pine tables and benches could be set in the natural recesses of the area which themselves provide ideal secluded picnic sites.
The old Quarry on the landward side should be kept as an overspill park, again allowing access by footpath to seaward picnic area. The existing path to the side and above the Quarry should be made more accessible with rough steps where necessary, thus Providing excellent views of the Bay. The Committee are of the opinion that this area would be far more suitable for walking than the scarp slope to the north as was suggested in the L.U.C. Report, since it does not overlook private residences.
4/10 The car park at the top of the slipway would be enhanced by the erection of a small granite safety wall in place of the existing overgrown bank and the parking area should be levelled below the existing granite curbs and shingled. The properties opposite La Pulente slipway do not enhance the amenities but with the application of the same proposals as La Grande Cuillette (Para 4/1 above) could be made to blend more satisfactorily into their surroundings.
4/11 The Corbière Walk. The footpath to Petit Port should be highlighted and the Quarry on Mont de la Pulente cleared in order to provide safe off-the road parking for walkers.
THE COASTAL STRIP
4/12 Les Laveurs. The Committee agree that kiosk/toilet facilities as already proposed are essential in the Bay complex. These would naturally include limited parking facilities sufficiently adequate to serve the kiosk/slipway and a general picnic area to the north of Les Laveurs slip. In our opinion the picnic area now closed to vehicles should remain closed thus permitting a large area to accommodate unorganised sporting activities (apart from the use by the traditional annual Inter-Vingtaine Tug of War Championships as at present), kite-flying etc. as well as picnicking.
4/13 The Chateau Plaisir. It is understood that various alterations are shortly to be undertaken and, once concluded, should greatly improve the overall impression of this property and its surrounding grounds.
4/14 The Barge-Aground. This building is a unique feature of the Bay and warrants preservation. The Campaign Committee feel however that the retaining wall should be rebuilt and lowered and the building itself renovated and maintained in an acceptable condition. This cost should be borne by the States as the site is a prominent feature of the Bay and used to the benefit of the Islands' Youth. Grants and practical help should be given to organisations doing any part of the renovation and maintenance as a voluntary project.
4/15 Sable D'Or Car Park. The Committee suggest that if the owners of this property were approached the car park area could be encircled with granite pillars to prevent any further erosion of the surrounding land and to ensure that car parking was carried out only on the existing concrete surfaces.
4/16 La Crabiere Bunker - Opposite Five Mile Road Filling Station. The area immediately to the front. of the entrance to this Bunker (just off the road) could be cleared to provide a slightly larger casual parking area than It present. The facilities should however be encircled by granite posts close enough to prevent vehicular access to the area behind the Bunker. A small but secluded picnic area at the back of the Bunker entrance and the main chamber along the sea wall would then be created.
4/17 La Crabiere - Northern Surfing Area - Car Park. It is felt that the present car park serves two purposes :-
a) As an occasional park for surfers, but when the surf is running, 50 or more vehicles use this area and, by their haphazard parking are causing severe erosion.
(b) As general use. Because access to the beach by the newly-built steps is clearly obvious from the road, the area is now popular with visitors. Because the viewline is completely spoiled by the haphazard parking described above the Committee feel that this area, being very prominent from the road and giving a good panoramic view of the Bay when approached from the north, required attention.
We therefore recommend that a suitably large car park should be provided sunken below the sea wall by approx. 4 to 6 feet. This, since it would be level with the road would be visible from the road, but the viewline of the sea wall would not be interrupted and access by car to surrounding areas would be completely restricted.
This proposed sunken car park would necessitate a considerable amount of excavation but the sand etc. removed could be suitably distributed over the surrounding lowland to provide artificial dunes which, when grassed, would make suitable picnic areas. Retaining walls would be needed and should be of rough granite construction with steps leading from the car park level to the sea wall, thus forming an attractive as well as a practical solution to a presently very untidy area.
4/18 Kempt Tower. The Tower itself should be restored to its original granite facing and used possibly as a Tourist Information Centre and Observation Point for the area. The road-way surrounding the Tower should be properly constructed to form a one-way system with a small car park to the southern side. This car park should be situated in the existing low-lying area with additional dune slopes created to prevent vehicular access to any of the surrounding area - especially those beyond the recently exposed cannon emplacements towards the sea wall. The area lying between the granite wall of the emplacement and the sea wall should be gently sloped and grassed and provided with occasional seating to provide an open-air viewpoint of the Bay.
The area between Kempt Tower and Cutty Sark car park should he left as an open natural picnic area and steps taken to ensure that there is no possible vehicle access to this or to the sea wall area.
4/19 Car Park to North of Cutty Sark. The existing entrance road is approx. 4 to 6 feet below the sea wall level. The Campaign Committee propose a sunken car park on similar lines to that already mentioned in Para. 4/17 above. This park should be in a T shape to hold approximately 30 cars. Steps from this car park to the sea wall would then give convenient access to the beach by the existing steps in front of the Cutty Sark.
4/20 The Square Fort. The existing car park area should be reinforced and levelled using excavated material for raising the surrounding dunes to prevent vehicular access. The car park should end at the sea-ward face of the Fort and be situated on the south side. The area between the Fort and the sea wall and to the side of the Cutty Sark requires in-filling and tidying to create a visually acceptable dune area. The sea wall between the south Bunker and the Cutty Sark requires in-filling as above.
4/21 L'Ouziere Slipway situated behind the Sands. This is the most intriguing and interesting slipway in the whole Bay. To the left the Bunker has interesting look out points recently improved in a most pleasant and thoughtful style. The steps to the beach are not good but since there is easy access down the slip this is of little importance. To the right is a slope upwards to a wide promenade which if it could be made "drivable" would afford a wonderful marine experience unlike any other in Jersey.
4/22 The Sands buildings and surrounding parking areas are not impressive and the park to the North side has recently been widened and the earth heaped up at the sides which presents an unsightly appearance from the Five Mile Road.
On approach to the Sands there is the feeling that the access to the beach is by favour of the establishment.
4/23 The Water Splash. The parking facility along the sea wall on either side should be retained. It should however be generally tidied, reinforced and made visually acceptable so that observation of surfing may be carried out from parked cars. The area should be restricted to its existing size to avoid congestion.
The Water Splash complex requires considerable change in order to blend into the surrounding area. The Campaign Committee understand however that such changes would necessitate considerable and possibly unjustified expenditure. We express the hope that permission may be granted for a considerable facelift or re-construction as desirable given the flexibility on both sides.
4/24 Le Port. This area again provides parking along the sea wall. This should continue as an "in-car" observation point of surfing with similar conditions as those applying to the Water Splash parking areas above. The access road and car park area in particular however require re-surfacing and generally tidying, with restrictions at the roadside to reduce parking in the vicinity of the ice cream van which should be re-sited in accordance with our earlier recommendations (Para. 3/8).
4/25 El Tico. This is ideally set back from the road and provides a much needed facility for day-time refreshments.
WHY DO PEOPLE VISIT ST. OUEN'S BAY ?
From listening to people we think we know. This is why :-
To go on the beach - to sit on grass and picnic - to walk in natural surroundings - to see the "countryside" and admire the views - to let their children play games on natural ground - to get away from buildings and anything commercial.
IN WHICH CASE HERE IS WHAT THE BAY SHOULD BE
1. Cultivated or grazed wherever this is feasible or economic.
2. Left as open dune, heathland or grass wherever grazing or growing is impracticable.
3. Conserved by reasonable restrictions on its use by cars, horses or any further commercial or organised activities.
4. Protected by regular patrols of the Honorary Police.
5. Preserved by individuals for individuals.
CAN IT BE DONE ? YES IT CAN. READ OVER
IT CAN BE DONE AND HERE'S HOW
FIRST put an immediate end to any Commercial Planning. Lift the threats of compulsory purchase and let the landowners use their land again or rent it out for the common good.
SECOND put an end to the present dumping and immediately start to clear up the States Tips and clean the polluted beach.
THIRD offer any States-owned land for lease to anyone who will graze or cultivate it. Stop any further commercial building or development.
WILL THIS COST MONEY ?
No, not much and far, far less than anything proposed in the "Plans" we have heard about. Here's how money should be spent :-
Clean up the States Tips, landscape them and plant on them anything which will grow.
Give grants to Scouts and Guides and any voluntary Organisations to plant grass, shrubs and trees, to restore fencing, remove litter etc.
Give Grants to the Parishes so that they can lease any unused land for use as picnic sites or leave it open for walking or open-land where children can play.
Give Grants to landowners whose property has been blighted by the Tips and Dumps and "Plans" so they can make good the damage and restore the land to use.
(b) As general use. Because access to the beach by the newly-built steps is clearly obvious from the road, the area is now popular with visitors. Because the viewline is completely spoiled by the haphazard parking described above the Committee feel that this area, being very prominent from the road and giving a good panoramic view of the Bay when approached from the north, required attention.
We therefore recommend that a suitably large car park should be provided sunken below the sea wall by approx. 4 to 6 feet. This, since it would be level with the road would be visible from the road, but the viewline of the sea wall would not be interrupted and access by car to surrounding areas would be completely restricted.
This proposed sunken car park would necessitate a considerable amount of excavation but the sand etc. removed could be suitably distributed over the surrounding lowland to provide artificial dunes which, when grassed, would make suitable picnic areas. Retaining walls would be needed and should be of rough granite construction with steps leading from the car park level to the sea wall, thus forming an attractive as well as a practical solution to a presently very untidy area.
4/18 Kempt Tower. The Tower itself should be restored to its original granite facing and used possibly as a Tourist Information Centre and Observation Point for the area. The road-way surrounding the Tower should be properly constructed to form a one-way system with a small car park to the southern side. This car park should be situated in the existing low-lying area with additional dune slopes created to prevent vehicular access to any of the surrounding area - especially those beyond the recently exposed cannon emplacements towards the sea wall. The area lying between the granite wall of the emplacement and the sea wall should be gently sloped and grassed and provided with occasional seating to provide an open-air viewpoint of the Bay.
The area between Kempt Tower and Cutty Sark car park should he left as an open natural picnic area and steps taken to ensure that there is no possible vehicle access to this or to the sea wall area.
4/19 Car Park to North of Cutty Sark. The existing entrance road is approx. 4 to 6 feet below the sea wall level. The Campaign Committee propose a sunken car park on similar lines to that already mentioned in Para. 4/17 above. This park should be in a T shape to hold approximately 30 cars. Steps from this car park to the sea wall would then give convenient access to the beach by the existing steps in front of the Cutty Sark.
4/20 The Square Fort. The existing car park area should be reinforced and levelled using excavated material for raising the surrounding dunes to prevent vehicular access. The car park should end at the sea-ward face of the Fort and be situated on the south side. The area between the Fort and the sea wall and to the side of the Cutty Sark requires in-filling and tidying to create a visually acceptable dune area. The sea wall between the south Bunker and the Cutty Sark requires in-filling as above.
4/21 L'Ouziere Slipway situated behind the Sands. This is the most intriguing and interesting slipway in the whole Bay. To the left the Bunker has interesting look out points recently improved in a most pleasant and thoughtful style. The steps to the beach are not good but since there is easy access down the slip this is of little importance. To the right is a slope upwards to a wide promenade which if it could be made "drivable" would afford a wonderful marine experience unlike any other in Jersey.
4/22 The Sands buildings and surrounding parking areas are not impressive and the park to the North side has recently been widened and the earth heaped up at the sides which presents an unsightly appearance from the Five Mile Road.
On approach to the Sands there is the feeling that the access to the beach is by favour of the establishment.
4/23 The Water Splash. The parking facility along the sea wall on either side should be retained. It should however be generally tidied, reinforced and made visually acceptable so that observation of surfing may be carried out from parked cars. The area should be restricted to its existing size to avoid congestion.
The Water Splash complex requires considerable change in order to blend into the surrounding area. The Campaign Committee understand however that such changes would necessitate considerable and possibly unjustified expenditure. We express the hope that permission may be granted for a considerable facelift or re-construction as desirable given the flexibility on both sides.
4/24 Le Port. This area again provides parking along the sea wall. This should continue as an "in-car" observation point of surfing with similar conditions as those applying to the Water Splash parking areas above. The access road and car park area in particular however require re-surfacing and generally tidying, with restrictions at the roadside to reduce parking in the vicinity of the ice cream van which should be re-sited in accordance with our earlier recommendations (Para. 3/8).
4/25 El Tico. This is ideally set back from the road and provides a much needed facility for day-time refreshments.
WHY DO PEOPLE VISIT ST. OUEN'S BAY ?
From listening to people we think we know. This is why :-
To go on the beach - to sit on grass and picnic - to walk in natural surroundings - to see the "countryside" and admire the views - to let their children play games on natural ground - to get away from buildings and anything commercial.
IN WHICH CASE HERE IS WHAT THE BAY SHOULD BE
1. Cultivated or grazed wherever this is feasible or economic.
2. Left as open dune, heathland or grass wherever grazing or growing is impracticable.
3. Conserved by reasonable restrictions on its use by cars, horses or any further commercial or organised activities.
4. Protected by regular patrols of the Honorary Police.
5. Preserved by individuals for individuals.
CAN IT BE DONE ? YES IT CAN. READ OVER
IT CAN BE DONE AND HERE'S HOW
FIRST put an immediate end to any Commercial Planning. Lift the threats of compulsory purchase and let the landowners use their land again or rent it out for the common good.
SECOND put an end to the present dumping and immediately start to clear up the States Tips and clean the polluted beach.
THIRD offer any States-owned land for lease to anyone who will graze or cultivate it. Stop any further commercial building or development.
WILL THIS COST MONEY ?
No, not much and far, far less than anything proposed in the "Plans" we have heard about. Here's how money should be spent :-
Clean up the States Tips, landscape them and plant on them anything which will grow.
Give grants to Scouts and Guides and any voluntary Organisations to plant grass, shrubs and trees, to restore fencing, remove litter etc.
Give Grants to the Parishes so that they can lease any unused land for use as picnic sites or leave it open for walking or open-land where children can play.
Give Grants to landowners whose property has been blighted by the Tips and Dumps and "Plans" so they can make good the damage and restore the land to use.
- Economise by Conserving now instead of repairing later
1. Support this Manifesto by signing our Petition Forms.
2. Make your views known to your States representatives.
3. Join the St. Ouen's Bay Protection Campaign and help with a donation toward campaign costs.
4. Attend every public meeting about the Bay's future.
1. Support this Manifesto by signing our Petition Forms.
2. Make your views known to your States representatives.
3. Join the St. Ouen's Bay Protection Campaign and help with a donation toward campaign costs.
4. Attend every public meeting about the Bay's future.
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