THE former Coast Road Stores at Grève d’Azette is to be demolished and replaced with two beachside homes.
An application to remove the now-closed shop and four smaller commercial units to make way for two four-bedroom, three-storey family homes was backed at the latest Planning Committee meeting by four votes to two.
The stepped, flat-roofed adjoining units will overlook the beach, and include a master bedroom and terrace on the top floor.
Representing the applicant, architect George De Sousa said that the proposal provided two much-needed family homes instead of more flats.
He added that the buildings would replace a redundant shop and stores which had included poor facilities and a lack of parking, especially when compared to nearby places such as Roberts Garage and Iceland.
The scheme also involves widening the pavement outside the properties to two metres, which would be ceded to the public when completed, he added. The St Clement project was approved by the group of politicians who sit on the Planning Committee despite objections lodged by the owner of neighbouring property La Maisonette, who argued that the proposed development was oppressive and would have an overbearing impact on his home, where he had lived for 23 years.
Addressing the committee’s public meeting, John Hill said that the commercial viability of the existing buildings had not been fully explored and that nearby cottages to the east had been sympathetically restored, which should set a precedent for this plot.
However, the majority of the committee were not persuaded.
Constable Philip Le Sueur, who chairs the group, said: ‘On balance, it is not unreasonable to expect development on this site, which is in the “built-up area” according to the Bridging Island Plan.
‘The site is dilapidated and in much need of redevelopment and to some degree it is refreshing that the application is for family homes rather than apartments.’
He added: ‘There will be an impact on neighbouring properties, particularly La Maisonette, but the test is whether it is “unreasonable” or not. There will always be compromises and I believe this development has done enough to get my support.’
Also voting in favour was committee vice-chair Deputy Steve Luce, Constable Kevin Lewis and Deputy Mary Le Hegarat. Voting against the proposals were Deputy Andy Howell and Constable Richard Honeycombe.
Panel member Deputy Alex Curtis was not involved in the determination because he is a parish representative, but spoke against the application and in support of Mr Hill.
