Work on Guernsey's Leale's Yard may start in 2023

The plans for Leale's Yard include modular housing and a supermarket

Plans for the regeneration of Guernsey's Leale's Yard have been given initial planning approval.

The unanimous decision at an open planning meeting means work on the site can start as early as 2023, says the Channel Islands Co-operative Society, which is behind the scheme.

The plan includes 338 new homes.

It follows the resignation of Deputy Andrew Taylor, who said he was increasingly concerned about the plans.

The scheme also includes a new supermarket and a multi-storey car park.

The plans for Leale's Yard include modular housing and a supermarket

Mark Cox, chief executive of the Channel Islands Co-operative Society, said it had been a "long but important process".

Stressing the fact this was outline planning permission, he said there was still "a lot of work to do" on detailed designs and the financial viability of the overall scheme.

Mr Cox said he could not commit to timescales, but hoped to have "spades in the ground" in 2023.

Rob Gill, member of St Sampson's Douzaine, said the approval could also lead to the "rejuvenation" of the Bridge - the island's second major port.

He added: "I think when you put that number of people and shops down there, it will become the second centre on the island."

He said somebody could "live, work and socialise" at Leale's Yard without ever needing a car.

The plans for Leale's Yard include modular housing and a supermarket

Deputy Victoria Oliver, president of the Development and Planning Authority, described outline planning permission as a "step in the right direction".

She said they had listened to people's concerns, including the impact on traffic and the environment, and that these issues had been worked into the conditions.

She added: "Let's be honest, we need houses."

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