Bay protesters say they have won

The proposals include a five-star hotel and housing Enlarge Image

Organisers are confident a protest march has saved Guernsey's Belle Greve Bay from development.

Campaigners say as many as 3,000 protesters took part in the march, although Guernsey police say it was closer to 1,000.

Sue Vidamore, who led the protest, said: "The States can't ignore the strength of feeling over the issue."

Developer Long Port wants to partially reclaim Belle Greve to create lagoons, a five-star hotel and sewage plants.

Opponents claim the proposals will ruin the island's tourism industry.

Deputy John Gollop said he would be pushing for changes, so it was "less extreme", with less emphasis on "millionaire properties".

Long Port says the development, dubbed Little Venice, will be a money-spinner for the island and help solve its waste problems.

Chairman Charles Billson claimed that without his project the island would struggle to solve crucial issues such as its regeneration and environmental protection.

He said: "I challenge the march organisers to meet us and discuss their concerns in a measured approach and see if we can't work together for the common good and for the benefit of the island and the people that live in Belle Greve Bay."