AI-assisted firm plans eight-storey block of flats

The firm uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help it identify and create proposals for building on industrial and brownfield sites

A firm is seeking planning approval to build an eight-storey complex of 12 flats in north Guernsey.

Island Land says it uses a mixture of artificial intelligence (AI) and planning experience to create "development opportunities" on brownfield and commercial sites, and obtains planning permission and helps landowners sell sites to building firms.

One of its first projects is One Bridge Avenue, which would be built on the site of an existing two-storey office building at the Bridge.

Co-founder Oliver Brock said the firm worked on a no-win-no-fee basis. Fellow co-founder Simon Bone said planning fees could cost "tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds" increasing the risk for property owners.

Mr Brock, an architect, said he hoped it would allow more landowners to explore developing their sites.

The firm said the proposed eight-storey apartment development would fit with the "industrial character" of the area.

At 33m (108ft), it would be lower than several other local buildings including the power station chimney, ridge of Vale Castle and the cranes in the harbour, it said.