Housing development site 'unlocked' by £1.1m deal

The States has purchased Briarwood House

Groundwork for a “much-needed” housing site is set to commence in St Martin following a £1.1m property deal brought forward by The States of Guernsey.

The States Property Unit confirmed it purchased Briarwood House last week to enable a private developer to build 26 new starter homes on an adjacent site.

It means preparatory work on vacant land near Grande Rue car park can begin and pedestrian access to nearby St Martin's School can be retained.

Briarwood House is expected to remain as the address of the island’s Children’s Convenor.

'Fit in with demands'

A spokesperson from the States Property Unit said: "The States has purchased Briarwood House to achieve a key objective of unlocking the development of a nearby site into much-needed housing.

"The structure of the deal guarantees prompt development of the housing units while also securing a valuable asset for the States that is currently utilised by the Children’s Convenor – with plans in place for them to remain."

A planning application for the adjoining site, purchased for £1.7m by developers Infinity and its investors, was granted in March 2023.

Infinity managing director Paul Nobes said he was pleased to finally see the project, which is set to comprise of a mixture of two and three-bed houses and flats, moving forward.

Mr Nobes said: "We are looking at what people want to buy in that area and what planning is wanting.

"They are trying to get more two-bed units so we are trying to fit in with those demands."

Infinity also has plans to create housing on the southern side of the car park, behind existing homes.

A revised planning application is set to be submitted in the coming weeks, with the phased project expected to take three years to complete.