PLANS to develop apartments at a “well-known and easily recognisable” site in town – that has been vacant since 2019 – have been given the green light.
A successful application was submitted by Harry Lingard and Victoria Steenson to create eight one-bedroom and five two-bedroom flats, as well as two one-bedroom duplexes and three short-term visitor accommodation units, at the former Town House pub building in New Street.
The building’s façade, designed by local architect Arthur B. Grayson, will be retained.
The design statement accompanying the application noted the site’s former uses as a pub and music venue, adding that it had changed tenants “several times” over the past few years and “struggled to remain profitable”.
It described the building as “a well-known and easily recognisable property located in the heart of St Helier”.
“The design approach is to protect and celebrate the historic façade whilst maximising the space behind to create quality living spaces in the heart of St Helier,” it stated.
Before it was considered by the Planning Committee, the application had been recommended for approval by planning officer Lawrence Davies subject to a “suitable” planning obligation agreement.
He argued that, among other guarantees, this should include commitments regarding a scheme of public-realm improvements in the area directly alongside the building, as well as outlining occupancy periods relating to the use of the ground floor units as short-term holiday accommodation.
“The building has been vacant and unoccupied since March 2019, and the applicant has not been successful in finding a new commercial tenant in the period since then,” Mr Davies commented.
“It is argued that this is down to the size and physical restrictions of the building, as well as its location in a marginal part of St Helier, away from the commercial centre,” he continued.
“The department has accepted that the building is redundant on this basis, and that the redevelopment of the site for residential purposes would be an appropriate way forward.”
Mr Davies acknowledged concerns raised by the Historic Environment Team relating to the loss of the majority of the grade-four listed building, but pointed out that “the listing description is very clear that the interior of the building is not of historic interest”.
He added: “The plans include the repair and refurbishment of the Grayson façade, restoring its original character and detailing, and retaining its public-facing streetscape character.
“In the department’s view, this represents an appropriate and pragmatic solution to dealing with a difficult site.
“On balance, the application is considered to be justified, having regard to the
aims and provisions of the Bridging Island Plan, when considered in the round.”
