Wednesday 25 April 2012
Environment Department response to media enquiry from Guernsey Press.
Guernsey Press enquiry:
I am doing a story about Oatlands and within that a person has raised some concerns about the planning decisions for this property - most notably that there have been so many retrospective plans approved. They were also concerned about why the department had approve[d] plans for a second restaurant on the site when there was already one next door, which is now being forced out of business.
I know the department cannot comment on particular cases, but I wanted to see if there was anything the department wanted to say in response to these comments.
Response:
Although the Law requires that retrospective applications be determined on their merits as if the development had not taken place, and therefore such applications may be approved as well as refused, the Department agrees that it is unfortunate that a number of applications for this property have been made in retrospect.
Oatlands provides an important craft and leisure facility for visitors to the Island as well as for local residents. The additional catering facilities which have been approved at Oatlands are ancillary to the recognised use of the premises as a tourist attraction and are therefore supported by planning policy. The approved extension constitutes a relatively small extension to the available catering facilities as a whole.
Contact Information:
Jim Rowles, Director of Planning Control Services
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
