Deputy objects to ‘cramped’ design

Picture: ROB CURRIE. (34002687)

A ST CLEMENT Deputy has objected to plans to convert and build a number of new homes along a popular parish road, saying the scheme would result in an over-development of the site.

Alex Curtis said he had spoken to a number of residents in the area who felt the same and were concerned about the impact on road access to the green lane of Rue du Presbytère.

The proposals include renovating a four-bedroom and two-bedroom home on the site, which sits between Grande Route de St Clement and Rue du Presbytère near Le Rocquier School, as well as constructing three new three-bedroom homes in the area.

As part of the scheme, a new access route has been proposed from the north of Rue du Presbytère and the applicants hope to create 15 parking spaces.

However, Deputy Curtis is concerned about the number of spaces. ‘I have spoken to multiple parishioners who, like me, believe that this proposal represents over-development of the site and presents an impact on road access of the green lane of Rue du Presbytère.

‘The proposed layout of the development represents over-development and I do not consider it to be good design. The parking layout appears cramped and forced, indicating that too many units are proposed for a site of this size,’ he said.

‘The proposed use of Rue du Presbytère as the sole access point for 12 parking spaces represents a significant increase in movements on a road that should be a safe route to school.

‘While the principal of some level of development in this site may be accepted, the scale and quality of design and access of this scheme represents over-development of the site and I do not believe it meets the criteria and policies of the Bridging Island Plan,’ he added.

The application also received a number of other public comments from parishioners who wished to object to the scheme.

In a design statement submitted to the government’s Planning website by McKinnon Architects on behalf of the applicant, they said: ‘The existing house is of impressive appearance and character but it is in a poor state of repair having been unoccupied for over two years, and subject to rainwater damage resulting from a storm-damaged roof sustained some time previously.

‘The proposals would, if approved, create much-needed family housing in a highly sustainable location in close proximity to La Rocquier School and with excellent bus links into town.’

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