New homes on former CI Tyres site approved

A new housing block received approval on Tuesday

Plans to build 57 new homes on the old CI Tyres site have been approved by Guernsey planning officials.

The five members of the Development and Planning Authority voted unanimously to approve the St Peter Port development by the Guernsey Housing Association on Tuesday.

But nearby residents warned the project would put pressure on parking in the area around La Charroterie.

It is expected the building will be used for key worker housing.

Planners had recommended the project received planning permission ahead of the open planning meeting.

The National Trust of Guernsey supported the application and said it was in favour of properties being built higher, rather than developing green land.

The Committee for Employment and Social Security (ESS) and the Policy and Resources Committee both supported the site being used specifically for key worker accommodation.

ESS president Peter Roffey stressed the need for new local housing.

The audience at the open planning meeting at Beau Sejour was full by the time the decision was made

Planning consultant James Le Gallez spoke on behalf of his client CM Management, which manages the Charroterie Mills building opposite the site.

He said the development would be in conflict with some of the States' planning policies.

Other speakers at the meeting said the area was important for nature and the development would disrupt that.

Neighbour Charlie Worsley warned of an increase to traffic in the area "clogging up" La Charroterie, and urged the developers to make "revisions" to the plans.

Deputies John Dyke and Chris Blin also expressed concerns about the lack of parking provided by the development.

People who spoke against the plans for the new housing block warned of an increase in traffic

Andrew Merrett, from project designers Lovell Ozanne, said the building would not block the green land behind the development from view.

He added it would have an "active travel plan" which had e-bikes and a "car-sharing scheme".