Decision(s): At the Ministerial Meeting of 15th August 2014 the Minister received the Department report and heard public comment in relation to the subject planning application, and deferred his decision pending a site visit. The relevant site visit was undertaken on 29th August 2014, when he viewed the interior of the buildings, the wider site, and visited neighbouring properties. The Minister also visited the new JCG school to view the proposed site for the relocated library. Following the visit the Minister confirmed:
(1) he was not content with the overall quantum of affordable housing. The Minister acknowledged that the conclusion for the site has to be in the context of a scheme which is economically viable, but considered that the position in the 2011 Island Plan (Revised 2014) and in the adopted development brief prioritised the provision of affordable housing over open-market units. He therefore required the applicant to increase the proportion of affordable housing in the scheme; (2) he considered that some of the units, particularly in the new-build elements were small and had a restricted outlook (single-aspect north-facing units). Within a high-density site solution the Minister considered that overall site amenities should be enhanced in qualitative terms and to provide a liveable environment which maximises the overall sense of community and identity. He therefore asked for the incorporation of enhanced amenities, such as a gym, children’s play areas, workshop or studio spaces, within the existing landscaped areas. (3) as the former library is an integral and important part of the fabric of the Listed building, its proposed relocation into the new JCG building should be illustrated with proper scaled drawings; (4) all other interior features to be removed from the Listed building should be subject to a scheme of architectural salvage, which must include the western stair being offered as a complete piece. These matters were relayed to the applicant who has accepted the feedback and responded with a covering letter and package of drawings dated 24th September 2014 which: (1) increases the Category A affordable units by 5, so representing 80 of the 159 new-build units; (2) adds four glazed garden pavilions to the landscaped grounds, totalling 307 sq m, and delivering a reading room, children’s indoor play, a residents gym and flexible space for residents; (3) includes a new drawing showing the relocated former library;
The package of further revised plans also includes for the retention of the western hall of the former school building, and its conversion into 4 apartments. Given this change relates to the Listed Building, the alterations have been reviewed by the Historic Environment Team. In their consultation response of 26th September 2014 (attached) they reconfirm their strong objection to the heritage losses across the wider scheme and, in relation to this specific change, note: “We very much welcome the retention of the western hall but the plans and elevations submitted appear to show a new structure and do not show the level of detail required to ensure proper future conservation of the key elements of this feature. A condition should be imposed to ensure full details are received to ensure the proper conservation of this feature during proposed conversion.” The ‘new structure’ as referenced in this response is a terraced amenity deck over the car parking area, and can be adequately controlled by a usual framework of conditions to provide the level of details as necessary for this Listed building. Similarly, in relation to point (4) these matters can also be dealt with by a framework of conditions, as is standard. The Minister has reviewed the latest submissions and considers that the up-dated information satisfactorily address his original concerns, as such, the Minister resolved to endorse the Department recommendation that the application be approved, subject to the conditions and subject to the prior completion of a Planning Obligation Agreement, as set out in the Department report heard at the 15th August Ministerial Meeting. It was noted that point (1) of the terms of the proposed Planning Obligation Agreement would be altered to confirm 80 Category A units, split equally to be 40 units for social rent by over 55’s, and 40 units for discounted purchase. The Minister also confirmed that given the nature of the changes and their lack of impacts outside the site the further amended plans did not need re-advertising and that he is content with the revised / additional conditions from the Historic Environment Team (complete schedule attached). | 
gov.je