Letters to the Editor: South Hill is the Island’s most exciting opportunity for premium construction

Standalone. Old Planning department building and car park at South Hill, Mount Bingham…Why can't this empty car park be used following the closure of The Esplanade car park?. Picture: ROB CURRIE. (33882231)

From Guy de Faye.

AS a former member of the Planning Committee, I have to query what exactly is going on with the proposed residential development at South Hill.

South Hill is currently Jersey’s most exciting opportunity for reconstruction, with incomparable views across St Helier Harbour to Elizabeth Castle and the panoramic sweep of St Aubin’s Bay out to the Noirmont headland.

The primary rule of planning is that each development site must be considered on its individual merits and this location is almost ‘screaming’ for the opportunity to overlook the South Hill ‘escarpment’ and accommodate unrivalled views of Jersey’s south-east coast all the way out to Icho Tower.

Such a building would easily command premium prices, fulfilling the Jersey Development Company’s remit to provide maximum return to shareholders (the Jersey public) and provide profit to potentially subsidise ‘affordable accommodation’ elsewhere.

The Planning Department needs to offer a fulsome explanation as to why this unique development opportunity has had a height restriction imposed, when it could clearly offer further substantial panoramic vistas.

Additionally, the Jersey Development Company board which, with its executive directors, costs over £500,000 per year, should explain why JDC has ‘thrown in the towel’ just when a new minister and Planning Committee are being appointed.

This entire project needs a major reassessment and both Islanders and the Planning Department need to understand that exceptional locations actually require taller structures.

Join the discussion Email editorial@jerseyeveningpost.com or write to The Editor, Jersey Evening Post, PO Box 582, Jersey JE4 8XQ. Letters must include full name and postal address, which will be published. They should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited

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