Mevanna Prestige Ltd applied for permission to develop the site between La Plage Apartments and the Marina Metro Hotel, which overlooks the promenade between Green Street slip and the Fort d’Auvergne Hotel.
If the proposals had been given the green light, three buildings on the waterfront which back onto Havre des Pas Road – Caribbean Vibz (formerly Nelson’s Eye restaurant), Maison Chaussey Guest House and Drifters Beach Bar and Bistro – would have been pulled down to make way for the apartment block.
However, the Planning Committee voted two to one against granting permission for the scheme for 19 one-bedroom and one two-bedroom flats because of the impact the development would have on the adjacent Marina Metro Hotel.
Mark Mateo, director of the Marina Metro, told the committee that the development would block out light from hotel windows.
‘We are concerned about the effect the development will have on the business in the future and the viability of the hotel,’ he said.
‘We appreciate that there may be development on the site but we don’t believe this is the right scheme for the site.’
Ian McDonald, director of architect firm Axis Mason which designed the scheme, told the panel that the proposals were for apartments in a built-up area. He added there was a ‘strong presumption’ of approval in the built-up zone.
‘This development is for regeneration and much-needed investment in Havre des Pas which has been much neglected for far too long,’ Mr McDonald said.
St Lawrence Constable Deidre Mezbourian voted in favour of the scheme.
She said: ‘I think it will bring young people back to the area. It has been difficult to make a decision because of the loss of light to the hotel but I think it is reasonable to go on with the application. I would like to see this area regenerated.’
However, Deputies Jeremy Maçon and Graham Truscott refused permission.
‘It is an excellent design,’ Deputy Truscott said. ‘But I agree with Deputy Maçon. We are looking at unreasonableness. I think the impact on the west side for the hotel is too much to bear.’
