Policy Considerations Policy BE2 states that the Planning and Environment Committee will take into account the context of the development and its contribution to the townscape, public realm, the potential to regenerate outworn areas of the town, to remove eyesores and re-locate un-neighbourly uses, the quality and character of the proposed development and the positive contribution it would make to the vitality and viability of the town centre. Policy IC2 states that the development of new offices and extensions to existing office accommodation will normally be permitted within St. Helier provided that the proposal is accessible by pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users including those with mobility impairments, will not have an unreasonable impact on neighbouring uses and the local environment and will not lead to unacceptable problems of traffic generation, safety or parking. Land Use Implications The former bank premises have been empty for about 5 years. Work has recently commenced on site to implement the previously approved scheme for offices under P/2003/2522 which involves the conversion of the upper floors to a single office user. The new tenant also requires office accommodation on the ground floor, rather than the retail use previously approved. Given the former bank use with ancillary office accommodation (the former banking hall on the ground floor also had some office accommodation); it is considered that the use of the ground floor for office accommodation is acceptable in this town centre location and in compliance with Policy IC2 of the Adopted Plan. Size, Scale & Siting The proposal is for internal alterations to the ground floor involving the removal of the cashier’s area, the large safe and some partition walls. The existing stairs, lift, kitchen and toilets remain. There are no external alterations proposed to the building as part of this application. Design & Use of Materials The former four storey bank has a modern 1980’s façade fronting Hill Street. The proposal will utilise the existing front entrance and no external alterations are proposed as part of this application. Impact on Neighbours The property is situated in Hill Street with existing office accommodation either side and opposite. The proposed change of use will not have any adverse impact on the neighbouring properties. Access, Car parking and Highway Considerations There has never been any car parking associated with the property even when it was in use as a bank. The site is however located within the centre of the town, in close proximity to good public transport links, including cycle parking provision and is in close proximity to residential areas of St. Helier. Foul Sewage Disposal The site is connected to both foul and surface water sewers. Landscaping issues The site currently has no landscaping. Improvements to the building frontage are proposed under P/2007/2495. Other Material Considerations None. |