A FRENCH supermarket group is being held up from opening a branch in Jersey because its preferred site is earmarked for agricultural use, it has emerged.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel told the JEP that the chain was “very interested” in coming to the Island – but current requirements in the Bridging Island Plan, which sets planning policy until the end of 2025, mean the field would not become available until early 2026.
Politicians would also have to approve a change of use for the site – which is not in St Helier but near an “urban area outside of town”, according to Deputy Morel – before a supermarket could be built there.
The prospect of a European chain setting up in Jersey has long been mooted, but has never come to fruition, although the Coop stock a small selection of Carrefour products.
Talk about progress on the negotiations has often reignited when adverse weather causes supply problems and empty shelves, with Islanders hoping that French suppliers could boost resilience and lower prices.
Giving an update to the JEP, Deputy Morel said ongoing talks were part of work to “attract investment to Jersey” and provide a “greater range of choice in price”.
He said: “There is a supermarket group which is very interested in coming to Jersey, but the main stumbling block at the moment is the choice of site and the availability of that site.
“Their preferred site is one that would be difficult to develop under the current Bridging Island Plan. It is currently rezoned for agricultural use.
“There are other sites that may be available for them, but if not, it might be a case of waiting for the Island Plan review. They may choose to wait for the site.”
