PLANS to develop a seven-storey office building in St Helier have been approved following an appeal.
Environment Minister Sir Mark Boleat backed the appeal by applicant GREL for the scheme at 19-21 Esplanade, which will include the demolition of a grade 3 Listed Victorian townhouse and a new pedestrian route connecting Commercial Street and the Esplanade.
Senator Boleat’s decision followed a recommendation that planning permission could be given by independent planning inspector David Hainsworth.
In his report, the inspector said he considered there was no realistic prospect of retaining or restoring the heritage building within the office scheme and that the proposed redevelopment would deliver clear public benefits and meet wider planning objectives.
Mr Hainsworth noted that part of the application site already benefitted from planning permission for the development of a six-storey office building, granted in 2025; and that one of the main issues to consider was the impact that the proposed additional storey and plant had on the appearance of the area, when assessed against island plan polices and planning guidance.
The inspector, however, concluded that the proposed development was in accordance with the island plan policy for tall buildings and appropriate within the context of other development and existing planning permissions on the Esplanade.
The minister is required by law to give effect to an inspector’s recommendation unless there are reasons not to do so. The approval is subject to a planning obligation agreement and a set of planning conditions.
