An application has been made by owner Jonathan Ruff as part of his plans to turn a section of the old attraction into a hemp farm. The application is for 2.4m-high perimeter fencing along with a gate to the site boundary.
Documents submitted as part of the application state that the fences are a requirement identified by the States police for any site that is used for growing hemp. Another application is also under consideration for a three-bedroom staff accommodation unit.
The fencing plans will go before the Planning Committee on Thursday.
A number of complaints from neighbours have been submitted, with residents questioning the need for high fencing and expressing concerns over possible pollution that will come from growing hemp.
Mr Ruff already has a licence to cultivate pharmaceutical grade hemp/CBD on the land, known as Retreat Farm.
The Planning Department has received 14 letters of objection, which highlight concerns about noise levels, potential light and water pollution and the site being a potential fire hazard.
Neighbours have also raised concerns about the security and safety of residents who live on the site from possible criminal activity to access the farm, while some have said the changed use would impact the value of their properties.
In response, Mr Ruff has argued hemp is not considered to generate unacceptable smells and that growing areas will be indoors, mitigating noise pollution.
The response also states: ‘The re-use of the site for agricultural/horticultural operation is supported by rural economy, and confirmed that there were no complaints received in a similar operation at the hemp farm set up at Warwick Farm.’
Growing hemp is classed as agricultural use of the land, according to planners, so there is no need for the applicant to apply for a change of use on the land. Planners have recommended the application for approval.
A report last month found that officers from the Planning Department had failed to enforce the Planning Law against breaches on the Tamba Park site.
It concluded that the Planning Department had failed to enforce the law when dealing with complaints from neighbours about the ‘gradual shift and expansion’ of activities on the site and called for officers to consider taking action, including prosecution, more quickly and in more cases.
Mr Ruff has been contacted for comment about the application.
