Roger Thomas, from Solairo Ltd, is hoping to demolish a number of derelict greenhouses on the disused Northend Vineries site and build an agricultural shed, complete with a 2.4-metre-high chain-link fence that would be topped with barbed wire.
If approved, the development would become the second such facility to be given the go ahead after plans were passed for a site near Crabbé in St Mary in July.
A design statement accompanying the application says that the new building – near to the Fencing Centre – would be climate controlled, with cannabis grown continuously throughout the year.
‘The new agricultural shed will include space for the operational aspects, including growing rooms, a trimming room and packing room, with vault and dispatch area,’ the design statement said.
‘The welfare facilities for staff will include offices, changing and scrub rooms, washrooms and a canteen. The perimeter security fence of circa 2.4 metres high is a combination of chain-link, topped with ribbon barbed wire, in accordance with requirements discussed with the States of Jersey Police.’
The design statement added that the operation would only require two members of staff, rising to four during harvesting, with minimal vehicle movements – significantly less than when it operated as a tomato farm – and lighting would be provided by energy-efficient LEDs.
The application added that the current site was in a poor condition.
‘The existing timber-framed glasshouse has been in a derelict condition for some time and is essentially bereft of any glazing. The timber structure has structurally failed in a number of areas and demonstrates significant rot and decay,’ the design statement said.
‘It is no longer in a functional condition and is beyond economic repair to provide any form of enclosure to meet current or modern farming requirements. It is therefore proposed to demolish the existing timber structure.’
