Jersey hospital operating theatres built on stilts

Temporary operating theatres will be built on stilts over the Jersey General Hospital car park.

The two theatres will be used for up to ten years while the new hospital is developed.

Deputy Sean Power, the chairman of the panel which ruled on the plans, said the need for new operating theatres outweighed concerns over design.

Heritage groups had objected to the use of green ceramic tiles to clad the structures.

Deputy Power said: "We have agreed to a ten year temporary permit and I hope that the planning officers will in some way come to a compromise whereby the final elevation and treatment reminds people it is purely temporary."

Although approval has been given, the designers will go back to the drawing board over the green tiles.

The proposed hospital will be split over two sites, both in St Helier including a redevelopment of the existing site, and will cost about £300m.

Health officials said the existing theatres are too small and do not meet modern standards.