PLANS for a “sexy” new hangar for private aircraft have been approved, in spite of concerns over proposed “art” schemes connected to the project.
Gama Aviation received unanimous backing from members of the Planning Committee for the £10.5 million hangar, which will house Jersey’s air ambulance, as well as private jets used by wealthy Islanders. But the committee requested that the art element of the application be reconsidered, providing a glimmer of hope to campaigners that a project to preserve a historic Jersey aircraft might benefit.
Members of the committee reacted positively to the visual appeal of the proposed main hangar, in spite of its size: a maximum height of 17.5 metres, and an overall area of 5,800 square metres.
Architect Mark Lorimer, of 3DReid, said he had been heartened to receive support from the Jersey Architecture Commission in describing the hangar as “sexy”, saying that some of the commission’s feedback had been incorporated into some adjustments to the application.
“I hope we have made it more sexy,” he said.
Tim Pedley, regional director for Gama Aviation, outlined the taking on of responsibility for the air ambulance service in 2020 following the demise of the previous operators.
Mr Pedley also explained that the hangar would help reduce the number of flights, stopping the current situation where many private jets were housed away from Jersey before being flown to the Island empty when required, and then making a further empty journey once Jersey-based passengers had been returned home.
The meeting heard that the scheme would incorporate suitable landscaping, as well as making arrangements for enhanced access around the perimeter of the Airport for pedestrians and cyclists.
Aviation enthusiast Alastair Layzell addressed the meeting, saying that while he had no objection to the scheme, he questioned the legitimacy of its “percentage for art” element, which requires developers to invest 1% of the total project cost in art-related initiatives to boost visual appeal and reflect Jersey’s culture.
The Gama scheme’s PFA proposals included £80,000 for tree planting at Val de la Mare reservoir and a £25,000 wooden sculpture to be displayed in the reception area of the new hangar.
Although the applicants stated at the meeting that the sculpture would be sited outside, rather than indoors, Mr Layzell questioned whether this would make it visible to the public.
Committee chairman Constable Philip Le Sueur said that the scheme helped reinforce the message that “Jersey is still open for business”, but said he was not convinced by the art-related aspects of the proposal.
Other members of the committee agreed with Mr Le Sueur, and it was agreed that the applicants should reconsider the PFA details and bring revised proposals back for approval. Subject to this and some other conditions, planning permission was granted.
Alongside Mr Le Sueur, Deputies Steve Ahier, Tom Coles, Alex Curtis and Andy Howell and Constables Richard Honeycombe, Mark Labey and Kevin Lewis made up the committee.
