A DERELICT transformer station in Grouville built by the Germans during the Occupation could be turned into a one-bedroom holiday let.
The National Trust for Jersey has submitted a planning application to convert Le Bourg Transformer Station on Rue du Moulin de Bas into a self-catering unit with a ground-floor kitchen, bathroom, dining area and an upstairs bedroom.
Built in 1943 by Organisation Todt workers, the station was used to power fortification works during the Occupation and is known as the OT substation.
Le Bourg is the only survivor of three such buildings constructed during this period and is located near the car park below the Queen’s Valley reservoir.
After the Occupation, the building was repurposed as a potato store but has since been abandoned and now its only occupants are pigeons and overgrown vegetation, according to the trust.
The application seeks to change the use of the listed building and to create a single-storey lean-to extension for storage and utilities.
Other planned works include various internal and external alterations such as new windows and doors, internal insulation, a new timber floor, new parking and amenity spaces.
In a supporting statement to the application, the trust said that the changes were minimal and could be reversed to protect original features.
Although it is dilapidated, consultants who compiled the application said that the building remained intact and could be preserved through the proposed changes, which are designed to meet modern building regulations while maintaining its historic character.
The plans have so far attracted three public comments, with mixed views.
Some think the proposed conversion threatens to destroy the historic significance of the rare Second World War building, while others see the proposal as a way to use and preserve the deteriorating building.
Philip Johnson strongly objected, stating: “Whilst the use of bunkers as museums and Second World War displays seeks to retain and educate, this use will destroy the historic significance of this building… if passed, this will be one of the most damaging applications in recent years, and I urge that the application is rejected.
“The National Trust has done some good work with old homes in the past, but this is not a suitable property, and it would be better preserved as a Second World War interpretation centre.”
Meanwhile, Stephen De Gruchy commended the proposal, which he said would “bring back to life (and save for future generations) an interesting relic of the Occupation, which, at present, is at risk of falling into complete disrepair”.
John Dix shared concerns that the groundworks would be “extensive and clash with the location as it is an area of fields”, and in particular over the proposed car parking area near streams which run off into Grouville Marsh.
The application is being considered by Planning.
