Plans for large discount store approved

The development will see a 23,000 sq ft (2,136 sq-metre) retail unit

A planning application has been unanimously approved for a large homeware discount store in Guernsey.

Plans for a Home Bargains, the first outside the UK, were granted approval for the former Quayside site on North Side, St Sampsons.

The proposal was approved by the Development and Planning Authority at an open planning committee meeting at Beau Sejour.

The development will see a 23,000 sq ft (2,136 sq-metre) retail unit and the creation of up to 100 jobs, according to planning documents.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Chris Blin said the proposal was "a long time in the making".

"It creates opportunities for jobs and economic benefits," he said.

"Everything has been done at best level to ensure this is a potentially successful development."

A former home store at the site closed in 2014 and recycled granite will be repurposed from the existing site.

The redevelopment will also include a large roof-mounted solar panel structure, designed by local architects Lovell Ozanne, planning documents state.

'Rejuvenates the area'

Deputy Victoria Oliver praised the inclusion of renewable energy and said she was pleased the site would be redeveloped "after being derelict for so long".

Approving the plans, Deputy John Dyke said he was "deeply disappointed" planners were not able to bring a commercially viable project with housing in it.

"It’s the best we can do, it rejuvenates the area and keeps several projected buildings in use and redeveloped," he said.

Adrian Norman, from site owners North Quay Holdings, told the meeting the development was a "once in a decade opportunity" to "revitalise" The Bridge area.

'Consumer choice'

TJ Morris Ltd, which trades under the name Home Bargains, said the new store would increase "consumer choice" for residents.

The planning report previously noted two letters were received objecting to the application raising a number of points, including the development being a "lost opportunity to build housing".

Other concerns included criticism the plans did not "maximise the available space" and concerns over the loss of on-street parking and road safety.

The plans will also see the creation of a garden centre and customer car park, with delivery vehicle access granted outside working hours to minimise disruption.

Once building begins, it is expected to take about 12 months to complete.