The application to build 20 flats and three houses on the site, as well as underground parking for 28 cars, 12 bicycles and three motorbikes, was put forward by development company Qube, which has waited 21 months for the decision.
Kerry Mountford, from Qube, said the firm was pleased that permission had been granted for the building work to go ahead.
‘The scheme has been very carefully designed using traditional forms and materials, with crisp contemporary detailing,’ she said. ‘Scale, massing and rhythm complement and respect the streetscape along La Charroterie and will significantly improve this area of St Peter Port.’
The granite buildings, which formed part of a farm in the 18th century, were the home of Channel Islands Tyres until recently. Shortly after its closure, the site was sold to developers and the planning proposal for housing was submitted.
A planning report into the scheme recognises that although the existing structures are of some interest, they are set back from the road and are not listed. One part of the site that is being protected, however, is a medieval stone which forms part of the roadside wall. The planners placed a condition on the approval that the stone would have be reused in the new development.
Ms Mountford said: ‘It has not yet been decided where the medieval stone will go. But we will be working closely with the planners on this.’
Because of the former industrial nature of the land there were also concerns that it could be contaminated, so the planning conditions also stated that studies into the state of the land would need to be carried out before building work could begin.
The site forms just one part of the Qube project – the company is already in the process of redeveloping the neighbouring site into seven flats.
When that project is completed, in spring 2016, developers will then move onto the Channel Islands Tyres site and then Chateau de la Montagne – a large building adjacent to the site.
It is hoped that the Channel Islands Tyres project will be finished by spring 2018.
Ms Mountford added that the current housing projects which Qube had undertaken showed that the company had confidence in the local housing market.
A GUERNSEY actor has been spotted in the latest TV advertisement for price comparison website Confused.com.
James Le Lacheur, who plays a scientist in the commercial, has also appeared in James and the Giant Peach at the Colchester Mercury Theatre in recent months.
The 24-year-old said he had also been a first choice for a TV show with Sean Bean, but he chose not take the role.
Mr Le Lacheur said: ‘I had been self-generating work and applying for things myself for nearly a year, but unless you are incredibly lucky, that will only take you so far.
‘In fact, that same week I was also offered an Edinburgh run and was first choice for a TV show with Sean Bean, which was quite overwhelming.
‘But they clashed and, in the end, because I wanted to do them all so badly, it came down to money, which is unfortunately a major factor in any struggling artist’s life.’
Mr Le Lacheur is now in Romania shooting a series of adverts for an Israeli satellite TV channel in which he plays a corporal in the American Civil War. He said that commercial shoots were unlike any other form of acting and were very ‘appearance-centric’.
Mr Le Lacheur wants to do more musical theatre, but currently is interested in pursuing more film and TV work.
Governor’s widow thanks Guernseymen
THE widow of Guernsey’s former Lieutenant Governor has thanked islanders for their kind words and support following the sudden death of her husband.
Lynda Walker said that she wanted to thank everyone who had sent their love and condolences to both her and her children over the past ten days or so.
Guernsey’s final farewell to Air Marshal Peter Walker took place on Tuesday this week, with many islanders attending a service of thanksgiving to pay their respects, while others lined the streets as the funeral procession made its way
to the airport for a repatriation service.
Sark Starfest plans released
THE schedule for the biggest ever autumn Starfest in Sark was announced this week.
The event, organised by the Sark Astronomy Society, will take place from 9 to 11 October and will include Sark Trek, a new stargazing weekend break organised in association with Stocks Hotel and Cosmos Planetarium. Organisers hope to provide an insight into the world of astronomy using state-of-the-art technology, including a pop-up planetarium.
