Planning application by National Trust Guernsey for overflow parking at Les Caches Farm

An article published in the Guernsey Evening Press on Saturday 15th September 2018 makes mention of Planning Application H003640000 by National Trust of Guernsey proposing change of use of agricultural land to create occasional parking for 24 cars at Trust property, Les Caches Farm, Rue des Villets, Forest. Now at the completion of a 20 year restoration project, the Trust is developing ideas of how to use this traditional Guernsey farmhouse, outbuildings and surrounding lands for the enjoyment of Islanders and visitors as a site of historic and biodiverse interest. National Trust of Guernsey is focused on appropriate and sensitive use of the site, in particular, encouraging heritage and environmental appreciation. The field area currently permitting occasional parking is well-documented as being prone to water-logging and quagmire during wet winter months, eliminating the possibility of opening the property to visitors during those months. We have proposed the installation of a Gridforce ground reinforcement parking area in the same area where cars are currently able to park on an occasional use basis. This carefully considered installation, includes the ability for grass to grow naturally through the underlying structure, therefore the look of the mature area will remain largely unchanged. The area would be screened from view by a tree and shrub planting scheme, varieties of which would be in keeping with existing habitat. Visitors need to able to safely arrive and leave the property, in the same way that they are safely accommodated inside and outside of Les Caches Farm. We are proposing this application as an option, to know whether or not the development of Les Caches Farm as a year-round site of heritage and environmental interest is feasible. The National Trust of Guernsey  [email protected]