Planners approve third Finance Centre building

Campaigners say they will continue the fight against the planned International Finance Centre in Jersey.

Today, States members gave the go-ahead for the next stage, a third of six planned buildings.

The developers of the multi-million pound project insist it is essential to growing the island's economy and cite how successful a similar development has been in Dubai.

But in a heated public meeting this morning, objections were raised about access roads and whether or not the island can actually afford the centre given this week's revelation of a budget deficit of £135m. Wesley Smithreports.

There was anger at a public meeting this morning when approval was given for the next stage in Jersey's new International Finance Centre.

Members of the public were given five minutes each to raise their concerns. It is the third of six buildings on the site of the current Esplanade car park.

Developers insist it is essential to grow Jersey's economy but, opponents say their fight is not over.

States members have given the go-ahead for another building in the controversial International Finance Centre.

‘Building five’ is the third potential building in a series of six.

Third building for Jersey’s International Finance Centre approved 4 to 1.

A decision on whether another building can be erected in the controversial International Finance Centre is expected later today in Jersey.

Six states members on the planning panel will determine the planning application for 'building five', the third building in a series of six.

Campaign group Save our Shoreline will present their petition later this morning and say this application is crucial.

Since the destruction of tree and wildlife in the Esplanade car park earlier this year opposition has been growing.

The campaign group say they are representing more than 300 people - many of the residents and workers in the area.

"Should they approve the application, they will condemn the St Helier waterfront to a dismal future - years of upheaval and building work, to achieve nothing as promised for local residents but instead create a soulless and lifeless collection of windswept over tall glass cubes (taller even than Dandara's new Esplanade building) that will screen St Helier from the sea. The taxpayer will be exposed to financial risk and the general public to probable environmental pollution and distress for many years to come."