A ST BRELADE Deputy and a number of residents have expressed concerns at the potential loss of a retail unit at Les Quennevais Precinct, after plans were submitted to turn it into apartments.
The proposals include turning the old Freedom Surf Shop into three two-bedroom units, and creating two new floors on the premises in order to do so.
Earlier this year, plans to convert the bottom two floors of the shop into a dental surgery with seven operating rooms, a reception, staff room, waiting room and office were approved.
A number of parishioners have made public comments on the application for the new apartments – which can be found on the government’s Planning website.
They include St Brelade Deputy Montfort Tadier, who said he was ‘concerned’ about the ‘loss of retail’.
‘I am concerned at the increase in bulk of the building and all that goes with that. It will block light in what is a pedestrian, hospitality and retail area, which I do not think will enhance the character of the area,’ he said.
Deputy Tadier added that evidence needed to be provided as to whether there was ‘no market demand’ for the retail space.
Matthew Chatterley commented: ‘This is the wrong sort of development for the area – as we still wait for the Quennevais masterplan as well. Changing the use of these premises away from retail should not be permitted as the area will further deteriorate and become residential in use. Also, the noise from other aspects of use is likely unsuitable.’
In her comment, Lesley Bratch said: ‘I don’t support a change of use to private dwellings; this should be left as a commercial property. The parish needs more shops at Les Quennevais Precinct with reasonable rents to encourage possible businesses.’
Another St Brelade Deputy, Moz Scott, who did not directly object to the proposals, said that the application had been made prior to a ‘west of Island framework’ which could ‘identify a collaborative vision in the area’.
‘There are residents living in the area as well as businesses who could benefit from improvements being made to the area in conjunction with the development,’ she said.
She added that the developer needed to offer more information on the application’s compliance with policies in the Bridging Island Plan.
If the latest application is approved, the current top floor of the building would be converted into a two-bedroom apartment, and two more flats would be built on the two new floors.
Each unit would have its own balcony and parking.
