South Hill planning guidance issued for consultation

A draft version of the South Hill Development Brief has been published which, once approved, will establish the general planning principles and provide design guidance for the development and future use of the site. A public consultation has been launched which will last until 14 February, after which the brief will be amended, if necessary, in response to the findings.

Once approved, the brief will be used to inform decisions on any subsequent planning applications for the site’s redevelopment.

The Minister for the Environment, Deputy John Young, said: “It is a fantastic site which I know extremely well, having been fortunate enough to work there for some time. It commands fabulous views across the harbour and St Aubin’s Bay, and we need to consider how to optimise best value from it for the public.

“The brief balances the potential for high-value, open market housing with requirements to ensure there are improvements to the local area, including the public realm and improvements to maximise active travel, reducing reliance on the private cars.

“The need for affordable housing will be secured either on the site or by its sale enabling other sites in St Helier to be released for affordable homes, which the developer will be expected to bring forwards. Alternatively, the site might lend itself to the development of a new hotel, perhaps with associated conferencing facilities. Either use would help to breathe some new life and activity the area and catalyse its regeneration.

“Before I adopt new guidance, I want to find out what people think – what should the site be used for; what form of development do people want to see there; and what improvements to the local area might this new development support.”

The development brief follows the adoption of the Southwest St Helier Planning Framework last month. The framework provides an overall vision for the area from Les Jardins de la Mer to South Hill. This, alongside the South Hill Development Brief, will be a material consideration in the determination of future planning applications.

The current buildings on the site are no longer fit for use as offices and, in line with Government policy, staff have been relocated. The site is likely to be redeveloped by the States of Jersey Development Company.

Islanders can read the draft South Hill Development Brief, and comment on any and all aspects of it, by going to gov.je/consultations