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Plans to turn a longstanding private car park of around 60 spaces on Green Street into apartments have drawn public criticism over concerns that the development could worsen the "already strained local availability of parking" in the Havre des Pas area.
The car park of more than three decades, opposite Andium's Edinburgh House development, used to provide spaces for both private renters and those staying at the former Hotel de la Plage – and later for those living in the apartments that the hotel became and others in the area.
Earlier this year, Seymour Hotels Group Marketing Manager Oliver Appleyard revealed that the land had been transferred from La Plage Hotel Limited to another Seymour Group company for £2.1m, with the intention to "develop it separately as residential rental accommodation for the local market".
An application, which is now live, seeks to create 26 apartments - made up of 18 one-bedroom and 8 two bedroom units - as well as a "podium garden", play space and a roof garden.
It would also see the construction of a basement carpark with 36 electric car parking spaces, 5 motorbike spaces, and 60 bicycle spaces. The basement level would also contain a new substation and storage areas.
However, the plans have already garnered around 20 public comments, with several islanders objecting to the loss of the current car park.
Pictured: The car park could be developed if a planning application to create more than 20 apartments on the site is successful.
One said: "There has been too much development in Havre des Pas in recent years. Surely a public car park would benefit more [people]?"
Another commented: "It is already a very built up area and parking is now a major problem in St. Helier."
One comment stated: "This project will put greater pressure on the already strained local availability of parking for residents and visitors alike."
Pictured: St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft has previously said the Seymour Group "have a right" to develop the site.
St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft recently said that a lack of parking at Havre des Pas could have an impact on both residents and businesses, particularly in summer.
However, he has also said that the Seymour Hotel Group "have a right to develop that site".
The parish is currently examining the possibility of buying a different car park nearby to try and maintain parking access for businesses and residents.
Plans to develop car park into rental accommodation submitted (6 January 2024)
Boarded up for 20 years... Will new restaurant bring Havre des Pas back to its heyday? (13 November 2023)
Royal Court rejects bid to let unauthorised car park to continue after 40 years (1 September 2023)
Constable claims Planning treating town residents as "second-class citizens" (9 July 2022)
Plan to formalise decades-old car park dealt second blow (4 July 2022)
Car park could go as more apartments planned for Green Street (July 2022)
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