Thursday 05 April 2012
Environment Department response to media enquiry from Island FM.
Island FM enquiry:
Just wondering who approves new traffic lights/traffic signals?
We have been told a new traffic light has been installed on the side of the M and S building (old Woolies) on the corner of Quay Street - would Environment have approved this?
Initial Response:
Thank you for your enquiry. Before I ask for a response to be prepared, have specific questions you wanted to ask on this?
Further Enquiry:
I may have, but it depends on how the light has come to be on the side of the building really.
I believe it to be a listed building - or at least one deemed of historical importance due to it's position in St Peter Port. I don't believe there to have been lights like this on that building before and we weren't aware any were going up - and we have had a few listeners contact us to ask why it is there.
The questions would probably be:
Who decided it needed to be there?
Who approved it?
What impact is it likely to have on traffic using the area?
How likely is it to be used?
Response:
Planning permission was granted on 29/12/2011 to install a wall mounted warning light and associated small sign on the side elevation of 5-7, High Street, St. Peter Port (the new M&S at the bottom of Quay Street). The building is not listed but is in a conservation area.
The light will be linked to the fire alarm system in the shop to warn drivers entering Quay Street of the possibility of pedestrians exiting the shop at the top of the street in the event of a fire. It was a requirement of the Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service that a suitable warning system be provided. The light was proposed as an alternative to a physical barrier or rising bollard, as previously proposed.
Contact Information:
Jim Rowles, Director of Planning Control Services
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
