Sail Loft Gorey Ltd, which last year faced a backlash from some residents opposed to the development, had applied to the Licensing Assembly for a first-category taverner’s licence and third-category restaurant licence.
But the Assembly has refused the application, stating that the plans were ‘not sufficient’.
It added that it would consider a further application when more detailed plans were available.
Advocate Richard Falle, the husband of Laurraine Falle, who is behind the development, represented the restaurant during the licensing meeting.
He told the JEP that they would be re-applying at a future date – most likely during the September sitting of the Licensing Assembly.
He said: ‘At the moment we will probably get the show on the road with a third-category licence, then the matter might be reassessed.’
The Assembly heard that the Licensing Unit was not concerned about any licensing difficulties.
It also heard submissions from Advocate Simon Thomas, who has previously opposed the scheme.
He stated that only a provisional third-category licence should be granted, as the planning application was for the premises to be used as a restaurant.
He said that a first-category licence would not be appropriate, adding that if it were granted there was ‘a high risk of “mission creep”, with the possibility of the premises being run as a public house’.
In its decision, the Licensing Assembly said: ‘The uncertainty as to why a first-category licence might be necessary emphasised to us that the application as a whole is premature.
‘The plans which have been presented are not sufficient … and the fact that the chief fire officer indicates that it is not possible to express an opinion on the plans as presented confirms that to be so.’
Work has begun to demolish the existing building on the site but Mr Falle said it was ‘unlikely’ that the project would be finished by the end of the year.
Mrs Falle’s plans to transform a rundown spot in the historic precinct on Gorey Pier attracted controversy when the project was unveiled last year.
But last September the Planning Applications Panel approved the scheme, which had also received backing from the Planning Department.
The development involves turning the old boatyard and adjoining Sail Loft shop into a unit known as ‘The Yard’.
As well as a restaurant, the transformed site will include a deli, a retractable roof, a performance space for live music and a room for ‘pop-up’ shops.
Ex pat: Looks a good scheme to me. The tourist industry is on its knees, and someone who is planning a extra attraction is subject to this.
The Future: If planning stop these up and coming projects we will never get the economy back up and thriving we will just stagnate in an unchanging Jersey.
Jimlepim: The noise will be horrendous. There is already several restaurants and cafés on the pier. We don’t need more. It is not in keeping with the historic pier setting.
Jerseywonder: This sounds a wonderful idea.The pier could do with a revamp.It sadly has gone down hill and at times the slip leading to the beach has drunken people drinking alcohol on the wall. This doesn’t give a good vibe and can be intimidating to families on the beach with their children. So definitely its a YES, win win situation. The pier may feel much more welcoming with a new venture. Keep the pier upgraded and the regular foul mouthed drunks off the pier.
(Taken from the Gorey Pier website)
What is your vision for the new restaurant?
I believe Gorey is in need of new ideas and investment and I am confident that everyone, including other businesses on the pier, will benefit from our plans.
I will be preserving the distinctive architecture of the existing building, which has been empty for years.
I hope to create an exciting restaurant to be known as ‘The Yard’, which in style will be like none other in Jersey.
The setting will offer opportunity for culture, entertainment, and community gatherings.
A focal point will be an open kitchen with a spectacular fire pit.
On the terraces diners will enjoy views over the harbour across Grouville Bay and upwards to the Castle battlements.
It will be a place to sample Jersey produce, exhibit local crafts, a meeting point for tourists going and coming from the Castle and a place to mingle.
It will, I hope, also provide stimulus to the tourist industry on which so many aspects of our way of life depends.
What can the deli provide that we don’t already have on the pier?
I am constantly being told that a local deli is long overdue on Gorey Pier and I’m thrilled at the prospect of introducing one.
It will be a place to purchase locally sourced fresh produce and artisan baked goods.
There will also be smoked salmon, hams, pickles, cheeses and spices and we shall create our own homemade range of dressings and chutneys.
I want to support local producers and farmers in the area and provide an outlet for the sale of their goods also.
This will work in conjunction with a planned farmers’ market offering even more scope for tantalizing produce available in the east of the Island.
I hope that people will come to me with suggestions and advice to help it all happen.
Is there demand for another restaurant in Gorey?
Most definitely. I have for many months been sustained by loyal supporters of Feast, my existing restaurant, and people enthused at the prospect of a project which will bring a new experience to life on the Pier.
Gorey is declared in the Island Plan to be a “principal tourist destination”, yet in recent years Gorey has seen the loss to residential development of Jersey Pottery and the Drive In BBQ.
My new enterprise will certainly not be large enough to replace them or indeed to meet the increased demand of the new residential developments; all licensed premises should benefit from the increased numbers of potential customers living within easy walking distance of the Pier.
Will this cause parking issues for the area?
For all the obvious reasons, Gorey is a popular destination and inevitably attracts a disproportionate number of visitors.
But short of creating new areas for parking, the physical limitations govern the number of people able to drive and park.
Those who wish to enjoy the best the Pier has to offer will make the effort.
For my part I am keen to work with all who have an interest in Gorey to come up with solutions designed to help us all. Fortunately, we enjoy the Island’s most frequent bus service with four routes into Gorey Pier; more are being considered by LibertyBus.
My support for this Plan has extended to making a contribution to the Eastern Cycle Route Fund in the hope that the new cycle path will provide a safe route from Town to Gorey on two wheels instead of four.
When the yard opens will you be closing feast restaurant?
Absolutely not! Feast is my first love. I am very proud of it and my talented kitchen crew and front of house staff are truly dedicated and excited to be part of our growth as a company.
We know Feast to be highly regarded and we all rejoice in its popularity.
The new restaurant and delicatessen will complement Feast, not replace it.
From Sir David Kirch
I VERY seldom write a letter to your paper unless I feel strongly about some matter.
The application to redevelop 18 Gorey Pier and the Old Sail Loft is in my opinion ill-conceived.
A few years ago I made an application to build a new roof-top restaurant, which would have had views of the castle and the sea.
My application was turned down, firstly because I was demolishing two very poor properties on the pier and rebuilding with replicas of the adjoining property that exists there.
I was told that nothing must alter the frontage along the pier. Now there is an application to build an entirely new shop there.
Secondly I was also told that no application for another restaurant would be possible without providing car parking, which we all know is such a problem on the pier.
I think my architects designed a car park to cater for that, but it was going to be very costly and while I could pay for it, and could possibly get a contribution from Renzo Martin, public money would not be available.
I made an offer of £400,000 some years ago to buy the Old Sail Loft premises and the old boatyard building, but I was informed by a representative of the States that the extent of the property being sold was not nearly as large as the land turned out to be when I was made aware of it recently.
Had I known the extent of the land I would have offered more than £400,000, but the States, in their wisdom, despite the fact I was the highest bidder, never bothered to come back to me to see if I would increase my offer in view of the additional land being included.
Anyway there is a surplus of restaurants in the Gorey area, and no more are required.
The property needs to be used for a different purpose. I like the idea of small arts and crafts shops and better still, if visitors could see crafts made.
Finally, I feel that the site is an important access to the rear of all the properties on the pier for fire escape purposes.
From D Tait
I HAVE followed with interest the objections, both online and in the JEP, regarding the redevelopment of 18 Quai du Havre and the Old Sail Loft plan for Gorey Pier.
Noted are Mrs Falle’s comments regarding her aspirations for the site and her opinion on how it will help to improve the area.
There are currently 15 establishments in Gorey where you can enjoy food and refreshments.
Therefore, another establishment capable of seating up to 120 covers is wholly unacceptable.
On the mention of covers quoted by Mrs Falle she states 120 spaces. However, the plans submitted are for 217 covers, if full to capacity (perhaps merely a typing error?).
Where are the cars that this amount of covers could potentially generate, supposed to park – and no mention of the travel arrangements for the staff that will be required, in order to run an establishment of this size.
How many of them will be using their own transport and require a parking space?
Also, I note Mrs Falle quotes ‘she entered into extensive discussions with the principal landowners on Gorey Pier and particular regard and sensitivity was given to both properties on either side of the proposed development’.
What Mrs Falle omitted to mention was that in order for this project to proceed, the Sail Loft needs to close (closure of business number one). The Dolphin Hotel has to block up hotel room windows in order to accommodate. The Seascale also has to make some structural alterations to accommodate.
These alterations will surely have an impact on the businesses and their current trade.
Also, no mention is made of the disruption to the tourists/tenants, who enjoy the roof terrace at the Seascale.
Mrs Falle also mentions that it will only be used to its full seating capacity when catering for special occasions and there are suitable coach spaces to accommodate.
As I am sure Mrs Falle is aware, the coach park is more often than not,used for additional parking spaces, as the residents and regular visitors to the pier are often unable to park their vehicles.
I’m also curious how long a development of this magnitude will take. What will be the effect on the existing businesses on the pier?
Dining al fresco or merely enjoying a light refreshment in the summer will hardly be an enjoyable experience while building works are in progress.
As for the residents I hope, should this site go ahead, that works will only be carried out Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
