Claire Khawaja of Designer Sofa Interiors has applied to demolish her existing building at 7 Peter Street and replace it with nine one-bedroom apartments and a new ground-floor retail unit.
The site of the proposed development is metres away from the recently demolished former offices of Kleinwort Benson, where Dandara are currently building 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
According to a design statement accompanying the Peter Street application, the existing building is of poor quality and offers little to the streetscape.
‘The existing walls are of masonry construction but appear to have no insulation, so we would argue the building is not suitable for modern commercial premises,’ the statement said.
‘No disabled access is achieved to the commercial premises and it should be noted the site has no parking either.’
It adds that to the rear of the building – which has an asbestos roof – there are multiple ‘ramschackle’ structures.
‘In conclusion, we feel the proposals set out in the application for this site meet all the Planning Department’s requirements and should be approved,’ the statement said.
‘The redevelopment will retain ground-floor retail space which is important for town and the Island economy, whilst the space above will be used to help add dwellings to the Island’s housing stock.’
Across the street, Dandara were forced to alter their planning application to include 12 parking spaces after it was initially refused for not having any.
And, in the Peter Street application, no provision for parking has been made.
‘We appreciate the scheme does not have parking for the accommodation proposed but feel we have addressed this in this application. Essentially, there is no way to provide parking and maintain a proper ground-floor retail space with suitable shopfront which we feel is far more important,’ the statement said.
‘The building to be demolished is in a poor condition and its replacement will be a benefit to the town in our opinion. By adding residential accommodation above we feel the scheme maximises a site in the built-up area to its full extent and should be supported.’
