Thursday 25 January 2024
A Development Framework has been approved by the Development & Planning Authority for residential development on the site of the former St Martin's Hotel.
The Development Framework is not in itself a planning application and does not automatically mean permission is given for any planning application. Any planning application subsequently received regarding specific development proposals for the site in question will be publicised and considered in the normal way.
The Development Framework outlines the potential for this site to yield between 62 and 75 dwellings, or up to 112 for developments of particular housing types such as sheltered housing or key worker housing. However, the final yield of the site will greatly depend on collaboratively developing designs based on further site analysis and investigation.
Members of the public were provided with the opportunity to comment on the draft Development Framework from 20th January - 17th February 2023. The main matters raised in consultation were:
- The importance of Rue De L'Eglise as a Ruette Tranquille and as an active travel route;
- The need for any development to comply with the Tree Protection Order;
- The need to clarify beyond all doubt that the Agricultural Priority Area to the east of St Martin's Hotel is not only outside of the scope of the Development Framework but also is not being considered for development;
- Ensuring that it was clear that general housing could be developed, as opposed to solely sheltered or key worker housing.
The Development & Planning Authority made changes to the draft Development Framework in response to this and other feedback, before approving it as Supplementary Planning Guidance. This means that any subsequent planning application relating to development proposals for the site should be carried out in accordance with it.
Deputy Victoria Oliver, President of the Development & Planning Authority, said:
"We all know we still need more housing and the responsibility for developing more housing doesn't sit with any one committee, or even just with the States. However, our committee does have a part to play in this and we are here to be enablers and not blockers.
"Approving Development Frameworks, such as this one, is designed to support developers, providing clarity and making it more straight forward for developments to come to fruition to provide that much needed housing.
"We're grateful to all those who commented on the draft Development Framework, which has helped to make sure this more accurately reflects what is important to islanders."
The Development Framework can be accessed via the States of Guernsey website at gov.gg/developmentframeworks.
