St Helier development rejected for second time

Plans to build more than 230 homes and a hotel have been rejected for a second time

A plan to build more than 230 homes and a hotel with 103 rooms in St Helier has been rejected for the second time.

Developers Le Masurier want to redevelop more than two acres of land between Broad Street and Commercial Street - where buildings have already been knocked down to make way for the development.

Deputy Hilary Jeune, the Assistant Minister for Environment, rejected the scheme, finding it to "significantly exceed" the height range guidance for town.

In the refusal letter, Ms Jeune said the plans would be "overbearing and oppressive and of detriment to the amenity and character of the street".

Brian McCarthy, from Le Masurier, said it was "a very sad day" for St Helier.

He said Ms Jeune had "gone against" the independent inspector who had approved proposals.

He said: "To say we are disappointed is an understatement.

"Le Masurier’s £120m investment would have contributed to the island's chronic housing shortfall on a town centre brownfield site, thereby protecting our precious countryside."

After its first rejection, Le Masurier spoke to planning authorities about how the development could be changed to make the development more acceptable, including providing more affordable housing.

Mr McCarthy said it was "too little too late" now.

"It is imperative that our planning system considers our island’s declared needs and gives fair consideration to proposals that are put forward, which will go a long way to resolving the challenges the island faces on housing, tourism and inward investment in St Helier," he said.

Deputy Jonathan Renouf, the Minister for the Environment, said it was "inappropriate to comment further at this time" while the project was "in the appeal window", meaning the application was still live.

'Extremely disappointed'

The Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, said she did not agree with the rejection.

She said: “I am extremely disappointed to learn that the Les Sablons project has been rejected at this stage, particularly given that it has been recommended for approval by an independent planning inspector.

"This is an important development for St Helier and the island, improving an area of our town and providing hundreds of much needed homes."

Ms Moore said she was unable to intervene in the process.

“Looking forward, I am focused on ensuring that the government works together to support our collective policy objectives and assist islanders with the challenges we face as a community," she said.