Plans for 37 new homes on St Ouen fields submitted

Godel Architects has applied to build 37 new homes on fields in St Ouen

Plans to build 37 new homes on fields in St Ouen, which were re-zoned for housing as part of the Bridging Island Plan, have been submitted.

If approved, the site, which is near the Jersey Hospice shop, would include a mix of affordable housing for first time buyers and homes for parishioners over the age of 55 to rent.

Currently about 70 people over 55 are on the waiting list for rental accommodation in St Ouen.

Parish authorities had previously wanted to build homes for over 55s on the site of Highmarsh House, near the Parish Hall, but were outbid last year by a private developer.

Jersey's Housing Minister Deputy Sam Mezec said if more homes were built specifically for older people, the benefits could be felt by the wider population.

"We shouldn't force older people out of homes that they are happy in, even if they have got spare bedrooms, that would obviously be wrong," he said.

"But if we can provide attractive alternatives, some people who were thinking about it [downsizing] anyway might suddenly be enabled to do that - and that frees up a home for a family.

"It's win-win on both sides."

Deputy Sam Mezec supports the idea of having more purpose built homes for over 55s

Experts have previously raised concerns about a lack of capacity in the sewage network, which could prevent more homes from being built.

But Infrastructure Minister Constable Andy Jehan said an underground sewage storage tank could enable more development in rural parishes.

"Clearly we need the attenuation tanks to be built so we can capture more product from homes and then release it during the day in quieter periods," he said.

"We're in the process of getting planning permission for a tank at St Peter, that will help additional homes in St Peter, St Ouen and St Mary."