A TOTAL of 42 shipping containers could be cleared from Rondels Farm and an agricultural shed converted to make way for a builders’ merchants in a move which the company behind the planning application says could create up to 40 jobs.
In a planning application, Quantum Building Supplies, based at Rue des Prés, said its current site was ‘seriously limiting the ability of the business to operate efficiently and to expand further’.
A design statement, compiled by Godel Architects, adds that the firm has scoured the Island for a more suitable location and the area at Rondels Farm has been identified as the only one. It adds the move could allow them to recruit a further 40 staff within three years. The company currently employs 20 people.
With the Island planning to build 4,000 homes and a new hospital, as well as other projects, the firm claims that the demand for building materials is likely to increase and says it is important that the construction sector is kept adequately supplied to ensure competition and keep costs as low as possible.
The plans add that a small cow shed could be demolished and a neighbouring potato shed extended in its place to accommodate the builders’ merchant and offices. The site would be located in the green zone.
Referring to a potential increase in traffic generated by the development, the architects note in their statement that some road improvements have already taken place.
The document says: ‘Whilst the proposal to relocate Quantum’s operation to Rondels Farm would result in slightly more vehicle movements than currently exist, it provides an opportunity to improve road access to and from the whole site.
‘Proposals to improve the junction with Grande Route de St Jean, to provide additional and larger passing places along Rue de Haut de l’Orme and to widen the road on the approach to the farm have been put in place.’
