Jersey Gas Co. Site, Tunnell Street, St. Helier: Planning Application (PP/2014/1125): Appeal Decision

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A decision made 8 April 2016:

Decision Reference: MD- PE- 2016 – 0055
Decision Summary Title:	Appeal Decision – PP/2014/1125 Jersey Gas Co site, Tunnell Street, St. Helier, JE2 4LU		Date of Decision Summary:	11/04/2016
Decision Summary Author:	Judicial Greffier		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title:	Report to the Minister for Planning and Environment		Date of Written Report:	01/02/2016
Written Report Author:	Jonathan G King BA(Hons) DipTP MRTPI		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Appeal under Article 108 of the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002 against a decision to grant planning permission at Jersey Gas Co site, Tunnell Street, St. Helier, JE2 4LU (PP/2014/1125).
Decision: The Minister allowed the appeal in full and refused to grant outline permission under Article 116 of the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002; In respect of the following development; demolition of existing gas works and associated office, showroom and staff accommodation and construction of new residential development comprising 285 one-, two- and three- bedroom dwellings together with associated residents’ facilities; commercial units; semi basement parking; ancillary areas; landscaping amenities and public realm improvements – all matters reserved excluding siting and massing to be carried out at Jersey Gas Co site, Tunnell Street, St. Helier, JE2 4LU.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Minister agrees with the recommendation of the Inspector as detailed within their report dated 1st February 2016. The Minister made two further comments on the application. Firstly, that it is unfortunate in the context of a development of this scale that the opportunity has not been taken to achieve a widening of the narrow pavement alongside the Tunnell Street properties. The Minister expressed the hope that the revised plans and associated agreements might secure that end. Secondly, that this would be an important development for the town of St Helier. The Minister noted that the use of design had been reserved and would be the subject of further discussion with officers of the Department of the Environment. Having acknowledged that, he felt bound to say that the outlined design shown upon the plans did not give him confidence that the proposed development would enhance the urban landscape nor integrate itself into its surroundings. This is or would be a very substantial development in the centre of the town and the Minister expressed the hope that the utmost care is taken to produce an outstanding design of which town dwellers and Islanders can be proud. The Minister also hoped that further consideration might be given to an architectural competition to ensure the best possible outcome.
Resource Implications:- None
Action required: Request the Judicial Greffe to inform interested parties of the decision.
Signature: Senator Sir P Bailhache		Position: Minister for External Relations
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed): 08/04/2016