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IDC reject plans for Guernsey Country Park

The owners of Le Friquet centre Blue Diamond Group, had planned to spend £3m on developing the site into the island's leading horticultural attraction to be known as the Guernsey Country park. Nearly all existing buildings were to be demolished and in their place, modern glasshouses were to be erected containing a tropical house, a horticultural museum, a large garden centre, children's indoor and outdoor play areas and a family restaurant. There wouldl also be an outside bandstand for local groups to play on in the summer months. They hope to open the new centre by March 2002. Over £1m would be spent on landscaping which will include a Japanese garden, water garden and Italian garden. 

Unfortunately at the end of March 2001, the IDC rejected the plans on the grounds that it contravenes the Rural Area Plan and this was made clear in 1999. The IDC  are awaiting a report from Board of Industry on the needs of special  retail sites in rural areas. The Blue Diamond Group however believed that the RAP would have been amended by now and are surprised by the statement that it may be another two years away. They say that they had been led to believe that permission would be granted.

Public reaction has been swift, with most people shocked at the decision. Most seem to think that this is an ideal location for a garden centre. The company has to move out of its current property by 31 December 2001 to make way for the Bouet re-development. 

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