16 October 2015
The Planning Applications Committee has approved plans to build 179 homes on the site of the Metropole Hotel in Roseville Street after reviewing parking provision for the development.
Dandara’s application to build on the site had previously been deferred by the committee because it wanted more information on parking and the size of units.
Permission was given for a 153-home development of the site in 2011. The new proposal (P/2015/0065) is to build 57 one-bedroom, 118 two-bedroom, and four three-bedroom homes, with basement parking for 203 cars.
The Planning department recommended approval for the plans, which are in line with the States strategic objectives of securing high density and high quality accommodation in the Built-Up Area.
St John buggy track refused
Plans for an off-road buggy track leisure facility in the countryside in St John were turned down at yesterday's meeting (15 October 2015).
The proposal was to create two tracks and five portacabins in two agricultural fields surrounded by hedgerow off La Rue de Sorel. Many people commented on the application to the Planning Department; 67 objected and 29 were in favour.
In its report, the Planning Department acknowledged that the development would boost tourism in Jersey and provide between three and five jobs, but those potential benefits should be balanced against the impact of the development on the surrounding countryside and on neighbouring residents.
The committee decided that the impact on a prominent Green Zone site would be too great. There was also concern about the loss of the field to agriculture, and traffic and parking implication
Waterfront apartments
Planning permission for three tall buildings on Jersey’s Waterfront has been extended by three years. The Planning Applications Committee (PAC) agreed a request (RC/2015/1335) by the Jersey Development Company to extend its planning permit for a new residential development on land near the Radisson Hotel.
The permission for Castle Quay (Phase 2) granted in 2010 is for 280 apartments, offices and retail units and 204 car parking spaces in three blocks of eight, nine and ten storeys.
Boat park
A second attempt to get permission for a boat storage facility in a field in St Martin has been turned down.
The applicants wanted to change the use of a field to a boat park in undeveloped Green Zone land at L’Abri Farm, with access off La Grande Route de Faldouet.
The application again attracted interest for and against, with arguments about the need for more boat parking facilities in the Island, balanced against the possible noise and disturbance.
In its report the department said the application was similar to one turned down in December 2014 and while it recognised a need for additional boat parking facilities, particularly in the east of the Island for the winter months, the scheme would spoil open and undeveloped countryside on a Green Zone site.
Glasshouses
The owners of a field in St Saviour who asked the committee to reconsider their refusal for an application (PP/2015/0596) to demolish a number of glasshouses and build five new homes were turned down. The glasshouses are on La Rue de la Guilleaumerie.
Under existing Green Zone policy, agricultural buildings have to stay in use for employment where possible. Owners are expected to advertise to attract new tenants.
The department’s report said that although the owners had advertised the glasshouses for rental, they hadn’t fully explored if the site could be used by other businesses.
It also said the development application was not exceptional – as developments must be if they are to be supported within the Green Zone.
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