Frequently asked questions

In 2025, the States of Guernsey directed that the island’s inert waste should be used at Black Rock, St Sampsons to reclaim land that ultimately offers opportunity for housing and community spaces.

Below, we’ve answered some common questions about land reclamation and the plans at Black Rock.

What exactly is land reclamation at Black Rock?

Land reclamation at Black Rock is a project to turn our island’s inert waste problem (where we simply don’t have enough space to dispose of it) into usable land. We will be building a secure granite revetement which will be used to contain recycled inert waste to create new land over the next 20 years. This will provide the opportunity for physical foundations for up to 600 much-needed homes and new coastal green spaces for our community. By choosing to build up our land at Black Rock, we are proactively protecting Guernsey’s green belt from development.

What is inert waste?

Inert waste consists of non-hazardous construction materials such as rubble, hardcore, concrete, bricks, ceramics, and clean soil. These materials are safe because they do not react or decompose, which makes them ideal for reuse, recycling, and land reclamation. The site will simply accept the same non-hazardous materials currently managed at the inert waste site at Longue Hougue. Hazardous materials, such as asbestos or chemicals, are redirected to specialised facilities like Mont Cuet to ensure the environment is protected and all safety standards are met.

What will happen to the views from Vale Castle?

The revetement designs will ensure the current view of our neighbouring islands we enjoy from Vale Castle is retained, though it will be enjoyed from a more peaceful, new landscaped coastal extension. The outer perimeter of the new land created will include green community spaces with benches and a scenic cycle path where people can enjoy the view. We will be proposing housing designs that respect the current viewpoints from Vale Castle. We are essentially creating a postcard view that celebrates our heritage while providing new spaces for the community to enjoy.

Is land reclamation a new or radical idea for Guernsey?

Land reclamation has been taking place for thousands of years. Since the 1800s, reclamation has acted as a central pillar for our growth and security. The proof of this success is the reclamation between the two islands of Guernsey in the Vale. This is where 300 acres of reclaimed land now provides homes for thousands of islanders. We are following a proven blueprint to tackle modern challenges such as the housing crisis. Our predecessors recognised that land recovery was essential for our island to thrive, and we are continuing that legacy to build a stronger future.

Why can’t we just build on the land we already have?

Inert waste is currently stockpiling at Longue Hougue because the site has reached capacity. Black Rock was chosen by the States as the next preferred location to store this non-hazardous material, which also allows Guernsey to benefit from the creation of new, usable land. We have looked at existing land, but the reality is that many brownfield areas like the Bridge and Leale’s Yard are currently difficult to develop due to the high risk of flooding. These sites are vulnerable and require permanent flood defences to ensure they are legally safe and insurable for future residents.

Will there be an impact on navigational safety for boats?

No. We will not be designing anything that impacts navigational safety. This is why we are working closely with our marine pilots and Guernsey Ports. Currently, we are in the first part of the design phase which means gathering data, designing, understanding potential impacts, talking to our stakeholders and adjusting accordingly.

This involves studying data from wave modelling, local bathymetry (maps of the seabed) and using this to test options and refine designs. We will also be organising for a simulation for Guernsey’s marine pilots to check there are no navigational safety issues.

Who is going to pay for Black Rock?

The funding for this project follows a self-funding model designed to remove the burden from the taxpayer. Traditionally, large construction projects such as revetments and land reclamation cost the public millions of pounds. However, the Black Rock reclamation will use gate fees (the money contractors pay to dispose of inert waste like granite and concrete) to cover the construction costs. By using the island’s own construction waste as a building material, we turn a disposal problem into a financial and community asset. This approach ensures the taxpayer is not burdened with the bill while we build essential infrastructure for our future.

Is this just another pie in the sky project we can’t afford?

A location to store our inert waste is an essential issue that needs to be solved. The cost of stockpiling increases by £2,000 each day. The completed developments are projected to contribute £194 million to our economy every year and support up to 3,900 jobs over two decades. This is a vital economic engine that will generate the revenue needed to support the island and its essential services for years to come. The unique funding model means affordability will not be a problem from the public purse. Modelling for the project has shown that the gate fees from inert waste will cover the costs to ensure the project is as cost-neutral as possible.

Why is the project taking so long to start?

The GDA was established specifically to act commercially and navigate the usual challenges of such large projects to focus on achieving results as a dedicated delivery team. To ensure a smooth construction phase, it is important to be meticulous in the planning and design phase. We are carrying out intensive modelling and design work and are preparing to propose design options to the States of Guernsey in early 2027.

While some countries build rapidly without oversight, Guernsey demands high standards. We are currently in the due-diligence phase which involves capturing a lot of data, complex tidal modelling, environmental impact assessments and working with our stakeholders and main users to understand the design options. The GDA is working with world-leading engineering firms to ensure every aspect of the project is backed by expert data.

Will the land be contaminated?

Only non-hazardous, inert waste will be accepted at Black Rock. This includes materials like rubble, hardcore, concrete, bricks, ceramics, and clean soil generated from building and construction. These materials do not react or decompose, which makes them suitable for reuse and land reclamation.

Both the land reclamation and the coastal revetment are safe and highly proven means of construction and defence. Currently, this waste is disposed of at Longue Hougue, with any suspect material tested thoroughly and, if required, redirected to a different site. There are more regulations than ever before to control what waste is disposed of at sites such as these, with operations strictly licensed and administered by the Office of Environmental Health. The site will be managed by Guernsey Waste who have decades of experience in this field.

Are you dumping hazardous waste into our sea?

There is no place for hazardous waste at Black Rock. The site will only accept non-hazardous, inert waste which consists of natural materials like granite, stone, bricks, and concrete from local building sites. These materials are non-reactive and do not decompose, making them safe for use in land reclamation. Hazardous materials, such as asbestos or chemicals, are managed at specialised facilities like Mont Cuet. Every load of inert waste is strictly scrutinised and inspected before it reaches the site to ensure it meets high safety standards. Because we are only using clean building materials, there is no risk of harmful chemicals leaching into our waters. An Environmental Impact Assessment is also being conducted to monitor marine ecology and ensure our coastal waters remain protected.

Will this project destroy marine life and the seabed?

In many cases, rock revetements act as thriving habitats for local species that struggle to find footing on shifting sands. We are currently conducting a full Environmental Impact Assessment to identify and map out sensitive areas. By using the best available science, we can ensure that our blue economy and marine biodiversity are protected, and in some cases even enhanced, by the new coastal structures we create.

What about the scaly crickets and maerl beds?

We are fully aware of the rare species in the area, including the scaly cricket and maerl beds. We are integrating nature into our plans rather than ignoring it. The current GDA plans will include specific mitigation strategies working closely with local environmental groups to understand and manage risks to biodiversity. This process involves a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment to identify marine ecology and navigate challenges raised by stakeholders. By being nature-positive, we aim to leave the environment in a better state, proving that Guernsey can achieve both progress and protection.

Will this change the tidal patterns, or affect Herm?

Delivering a solution that doesn’t impact harbour operations, navigational safety or the environment is our top priority. We are extremely sensitive to our relationship with our neighbouring islands and would never move forward with a design that threatened their coastal integrity. We have commissioned world-leading coastal engineers, Haskoning, to model the tidal flows through the Little Russel. The initial findings from this indicate that the coastal and marine processes, including the geomorphology of the area, will remain unaffected. The project is now gathering wave, current and seabed data to validate this modelling to ensure that navigational safety and tidal flows remain unchanged.

How will this affect the water quality for swimmers?

Because the reclamation uses only inert, non-toxic materials such as those already disposed of at the Longue Hougue coastal site, there is no risk to the purity of our sea. These natural materials, including granite and concrete, do not react or decompose in the water. In fact, the project aims to improve the coastal experience for everyone. Our vision includes a new bathing pool, similar to the facilities in St Peter Port. This will provide a safe and clean environment for families to enjoy the water.

Will there be more green space for the public?

Yes. The Black Rock project includes significant public realm space such as new parks, tree-lined cycle paths, and coastal walkways where there is currently no public access at all. We want to create a network of green spaces that connects St Peter Port to Vale Castle, giving residents high-quality outdoor areas for exercise, relaxation, and family time.

Will the construction be noisy and dusty for residents?

We will be conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment specifically to identify and manage noise, vibration, and air quality. As with any construction project, a construction environment management plan will be in place to minimise disruption.

Will there be housing built at Black Rock?

Land reclamation at Black Rock is firstly a solution to our island’s inert waste problem (where we simply don’t have enough space to dispose of it) into usable land. The resulting land will provide the opportunity for physical foundations for up to 600 much-needed homes and new coastal green spaces for our community but is not a decision that is being made now.

If it is used for housing, will they be within reach for islanders?

The GDA’s priority is providing affordable homes for islanders alongside homes for young families. Our housing crisis is a structural failure where homeownership has become unlikely for many hard-working people. By building up to 600 new homes at Black Rock and the Bridge, we give young people a genuine choice to stay, live, and work in their own community. Our goal is to provide high-quality homes that locals can afford to buy or rent. These will be a mix of private ownership homes with prices that are attainable for islanders as well as social housing and partial ownership properties This ensures that the professionals who support our island can afford to live here rather than being priced out by inaction.

Would Black Rock help my children get on the housing ladder?

Yes, helping our children get on the housing ladder is a key driver of this development. Currently, half of our young people aged 16 to 27 do not plan to stay in Guernsey because they feel priced out by the cost of living and the housing crisis. With the average house price at £600,000 and prices nearly doubling in the fifteen years leading up to 2023, we need a significant increase in supply to address this failure. By reclaiming land at Black Rock, we create the space for up to 600 new, affordable homes that give young people a genuine choice to stay and live in their own community. This project is a promise to the next generation that they can build a future on this island rather than having to return only as tourists.