PLANS to build a new four-bedroom home on the seafront in St Brelade’s Bay have face criticism over the proposed scale of the development.
The scheme involves constructing a family home on Route de la Baie to the west of the L’Horizon Hotel.
However, it has received a number of public objections over fears it would damage the beauty of the bay.
The site, which is currently unoccupied and features nothing but a grass field and fencing, has been the subject of numerous planning applications over the past few years.
In a public comment on the Planning website, Susan Russell wrote: ‘I find it very disappointing that such a large building could be built adjacent to the promenade. Especially as it is replacing a small cottage. I had hoped that development in the bay area would be restricted in the future.’
Valerie Fort said it ‘beggars belief’ that a building of such size could be considered a ‘reasonable replacement’ for the one-bed bungalow that previously occupied the site.
‘I would like to think that lessons have been learnt from mistakes made with other large developments in St Brelade’s Bay and that the Planning Committee will put a stop to further desolation of the seafront. This site is in the very centre of Jersey’s busiest tourist bay,’ she said.
‘No amount of tree planting and landscaping can disguise the mass of the proposed property from the beach and in any case they would not thrive in this windy, salty seafront location,’ she added.
Jasmine Mansell said the proposals would make St Brelade’s Bay look increasingly ‘built-up’ when viewed from the beach.
‘The proposed building is too big for the plot and again, will create an alleyway of sorts between itself and the L’Horizon. The beach access is already dangerous as there is a zebra crossing and this will decrease visibility for pedestrians trying to cross the road. It has always been said that something similar in size to what was already there would be rebuilt. This goes against that,’ she said.
A design statement submitted by Riva Architects, on behalf of the applicants, said: ‘In terms of setting the proposed dwelling within its context, the seaward elevation is telling. Makai [the proposed development] acts as a visual link between the scale and form of L’Horizon Hotel and Spa to the east, and the more residential-based buildings to the West; El Cobre and Carlyon House.’
They added: ‘The applicants are a local family who have wanted to move into St Brelade’s Bay to enjoy and share in all it offers for a good number of years. They recently purchased the site with the specific desire to create a home which would be unique and personal to themselves. They are seeking to create a contemporary building which is relevant to the lifestyle they wish to foster in the bay. They are also hoping to achieve the highest levels of architectural excellence.’
