Now, Infrastructure Minister Eddie Noel has said that the government may have to buy the land – which comprises of three of eight fields that the new school is planned for – via a compulsory purchase order which would need to be approved by the States after the May election.
According to the States, the current landowner has moved away from pre-agreed terms agreed just weeks ago which would have meant the States would have bought the land for £194,000 and is now asking for £4 million.
They have also imposed a number of other sale conditions including only allowing certain elements of the school project to be built on the site, restricting the use of the sports field beyond 9.30 pm and not allowing organised events to take place on the playing fields on Sundays or bank holidays.
Deputy Eddie Noel said: ‘Unfortunately, despite lengthy discussions and having agreed a fair and proper price with the owner, it has not been possible to conclude the transaction.
‘This means the only option available is to acquire the land through compulsory purchase. Using this method is a last resort for us but the new school is vital for the Island.’
Meanwhile, acting Education Minister Anne Pryke said she is still hopeful that the landowner will honour the original agreement.
She said: ‘We have always aimed to open the new school in September 2020 but if we need to use compulsory purchase there will inevitably be a delay, and we could lose a whole academic year, which would be very disappointing for the staff and their students.
‘We do however remain hopeful that the signed agreement with the landowner will be honoured so that we can keep to the original timetable.’
