PLANS to transform a Havre des Pas car park into 26 flats have been refused by the Planning Committee.
But some members of the committee said it was “inevitable” that the land would be built on, while others said the proposals needed a “little bit of tweaking” and they could get over the line.
Seymour Hotels – which owns the car park on Green Street – described the rejection as “disappointing” but said they were “encouraged by much of what we heard” at the Planning Committee.
The hotel chain had submitted plans to turn the site into 26 flats, including 18 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom units, as well as a garden, playground and rooftop garden.
Local residents have raised concerns about the proposals.
Addressing the committee this week, Havre des Pas resident Andrea Mallet said: “Due to its immense size, overbearing and intrusive scale, especially to all the neighbouring properties, development does not contribute or positively influence community health and wellbeing outcomes, especially to residents bordering the site.”
She cited other construction projects in the area, including Andium’s La Collette flats and the Limes development, that she claimed had made living in the area “unbearable” for five years.
Housing Minister Sam Mézec opposed the plans, alongside fellow Reform politician Deputy Tom Coles.
Deputy Mézec said Green Street had taken “more than its fair share” of new developments.
He added that developers were “struggling to offload” one- and two-bed properties, with prices falling for these types of flats.
Architect Martin Bridge said the plans were designed with “careful consideration” for sunlight and privacy, and planning officer Lawrence Davies said the development was in line with the Bridging Island Plan.
“In fact,” he added, “Policy TT4 of the Island Plan – which is the relevant policy here – actively supports the redevelopment of car park sites in the built-up area.”
Planning Committee chair Philip Le Sueur, said: “I think that there is potential for development of this site.”
But he said in its current iteration “I don’t believe it’s the scheme before us”.
Deputy Steve Ahier said: “Just a little bit of tweaking and I think maybe we’ll get this one past the post.”
Constable of Grouville Mark Labey added: “Inevitably, there must be some building on this land, because the Island Plan in general points to it. But I think there needs to be some thought given to reducing the impact, particularly on the north side.”
