Planning meeting for large discount store

Home Bargains could be built at the old Quayside site

Guernsey States planners have recommended granting planning permission with conditions for a low-price UK superstore, according to an application report.

The plans for the first Home Bargains outside of the UK involve a 23,000 sq ft (2,136 sq m) retail unit at the former Quayside site on North Side, St Sampson, that developers said would provide up to 100 jobs.

The Development and Planning Authority said the plans asked for permission to demolish an existing building and create 70 parking spaces.

An open planning meeting to discuss the plans is due to start at Beau Sejour from 09:30 BST on 18 June.

'Lost opportunity'

The planning report said two letters were received objecting to the application raising a number of points, including the development being a "lost opportunity to build housing".

Other points included claims the development did not "maximise the available space" and concerns about loss of on-street parking and road safety.

The planning application report added there would be no adverse impact on protected trees or sites.

A spokesperson for TJ Morris Ltd, which trades under the name Home Bargains, previously said: "We believe that our proposals for the former Quayside site will be transformational, activating North Quay and providing a new, high-quality retail offer that is not currently available to the island's residents."