In an open letter sent to members of the planning applications panel, which will determine the Co-op’s planning application, Senator Philip Ozouf said that a special deal was agreed with the Channel Islands Co-operative Society on the basis that they would save the buildings.
He explained that the land in Dumaresq Street opposite Hectors fish and chip shop was sold on the basis of a clear planning presumption that the listed row of shops had to be saved.
It was therefore valued at a lower figure than it would have been if no restrictions were in place, it is claimed.
Current Co-op chief executive Colin Macleod said that it was his understanding that the site had been valued by independent experts and that the society had paid the price asked for by the States.
He added that he was not aware of the conditions referred to by Senator Ozouf.
