11 December 2015
Jersey’s Planning Applications Committee has approved Andium Homes’ planning application (PP/2015/0747) to build an extra 88 new homes at La Collette Flats.
Andium applied to demolish five existing low rise blocks with 59 homes to build five larger blocks providing 147 new affordable homes.
In September, States Members agreed a proposition (P.78/2015) asking the Planning Minister to ensure the protection of the existing green space on the site between La Collette low rise and its border with Green Street.
The application was scheduled for discussion at the committee’s last meeting in November, but members delayed it to seek legal advice.
At its meeting yesterday, the Planning Applications Committee considered the La Collette Flats application against the policies set out in the States-approved Island Plan, looking at all the detailed evidence and submissions that have been made. They took account of the arguments about green space for residents, the grade 4 listing of the site, and the gain of an extra 88 homes for St Helier.
The planning officer report on the application said the proposals will provide higher quality, well designed accommodation which respects the context of surrounding development and works with the natural setting of the site.
The report considers that the loss of a protected open space facing on to Green Street will be offset by providing more useable open space for residents. The proposals also include plans to improve pedestrian and highway safety.
Grazing sheep solves SSI problem
The committee also agreed an application (SSI/2015/1288) to help protect an ecological site of special interest (SSI) on heathland between Grosnez and Plémont.
The area is designated for its ecological and archaeological value, but is overrun with bracken and scrub which can significantly damage archaeology and reduce opportunities for wildlife.
The Natural Environment section at the Department of the Environment has proposed a sustainable land management solution; to let sheep graze the site. This would encourage more diverse plant, insect and bird species to restore the maritime grassland.
The application was to install fencing on the site to pen in the sheep. The fence would have gates to allow public access. A number of Island residents objected to the application, arguing the fence will look unsightly and restrict public access.
In addition, the fencing crosses part of the archaeological SSI, for which permission is needed to avoid possible damage.
A planning officer report on the application says that fencing for agricultural use is normal and acceptable within a rural setting and would not unduly impact the landscape.
Homes on hotel site
The Shakespeare hotel in St Clement is to be demolished and 17 new homes built on the site (P/2015/1509) following Planning Application Committee approval.
The owners of the hotel and restaurant on La Grande Route de la Côte want to knock down three existing buildings and build one one-bedroom, nine two-bedroom and two three-bedroom homes with landscaping and parking.
The hotel is located in what’s designated a Built Up Area in the Island Plan, which means the principle of development is accepted, subject to its overall impact being acceptable.
The development will include a modern four-storey apartment block that is designed so that it takes account of the largely Victorian-era buildings around it.
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