As you might be aware, due to changes in the planning legislation our company, Sueco Outside Catering, was obliged to formally apply to the States of Guernsey Environment Department for planning permission in respect to erecting our marquee on the field we have used annually for the past 6 years at Icart. Unfortunately we have now received a notification of refusal of planning permission. The company has now entered into the process of appealing the decision. If this permission is ultimately refused we will no longer be able to provide functions in the marquee. A part of this process is to ascertain whether we have support from our local community. As you might be aware of, made use of or attended an event at our marquee at Icart we hope you might feel strongly in favour of this function venue and support our online petition. The reasons for refusal: 1. The visual impact of the marquee 2. The misuse of agricultural land 3. Impacts on amenity through noise, disturbance & increased traffic flow 4. There are better locations in urban areas for functions of this kind Our Response: 1. The marquee is not acutely visible from Icart road or Icart point. We recognise it can be viewed from the cliff path and is erected in an Area of High Landscape Quality in the rural area. However we believe increasing access to the coastline in a managed way for a short period each year (less than four months) is a benefit to the residents of Guernsey. Sueco Outside Catering strongly believes in environmental protection and it is a big part of our operations. We endeavour to operate in a environmentally responsible and sustainable manner and have company policy to reflect this. 2. This is a temporary structure, this year erected from June - mid September. The marquee occupies a very small proportion of the farmed headland. The local farmer continues to carry out all normal farming practices in the field and surrounding area including hay / silage making, potato growing and grazing his dairy herd. Importantly it also gives this farmer a chance to diversify in this slow economic climate. Significantly the Agricultural and Environmental Adviser offered no objection at this stage to the marquee being erected from 1st May - 31st October (or earlier), providing permission be re-applied for every 3 years. 3. Given the number of events held in a marquee on this site over the past 6 years, the impact on amenities and the surrounding area is low. We always adhere to the conditions imposed by the Royal Courts for a liquor licence, typically that all music and alcohol sales cease at 23.30 and the sight is vacated by midnight. There is a one way system for traffic, keeping noise and traffic disruption to an absolute minimum. For the majority of events guests arrive by minibus, therefore it is common for there to be less than 20 cars on site at any one time. Furthermore, all immediate neighbours are provided with a list of upcoming functions and are provided with contact numbers, (including two Company Director's) in case of a complaint. There were only two calls to the police in 2008 with no action required and to date, no calls in 2009. If this occurs the noise levels are immediately assessed and the volume decreased. 4. A stunning location and exceptional position are the primary reasons why our clients choose to hold events in the marquee. An alternative, urban location simply does not meet this criteria and from experience this type of venue can cause more disruption to a densely populated environment. The current site allows a wide range of people a unique opportunity to enjoy the outstanding beauty of the south coast. Some might argue the marquee itself is counterproductive to the landscape, however it is our belief the residents of Guernsey, many of whom would not have had access to this land and stunning view previously, should be given the opportunity to enjoy the rural area in a managed and responsible way. We are a family business which has been operating in Guernsey for 28 years. We feel strongly that the benefits of the marquee to local people, whether as a venue for a wedding, corporate event, product launch, or charity ball far outweigh any disadvantages. If you agree, please support us in our appeal, by signing this online petition. Thank you in advance for your time. "The Directors of Sueco Outside Catering Ltd"