WATCH: 18 firefighters tackle blaze at former Planning offices

Thursday 04 January 2024

18 firefighters, four fire engines and two more vehicles were sent to tackle a blaze at the former Planning offices at South Hill yesterday.

The fire, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon, was on the first floor of the building.

Numerous images and videos of smoke billowing from the building circulated social media and local WhatsApp groups.

Video: Four fire engines were sent to tackle the fire.

A government spokesperson confirmed shortly before 16:00 that the situation was ongoing and urged people not to attend the area, which was still closed in the evening.

"The Jersey Fire and Rescue Service is dealing with a fire on the first floor of the old Planning Building at South Hill," they said.

"We currently have 18 firefighting personnel on site, four fire engines, one Incident Command Vehicle and the Fire Duty Manager Vehicle.

"Please avoid the area at this time, as South Hill is cordoned off and the road is closed at both ends.

"Thank you for your co-operation."

Pictured: The fire is being attended by 18 firefighters and islanders have been asked to avoid the area (Dave Ferguson)

The long-empty offices which overlook the Harbour have been earmarked for demolition by the Jersey Development Company.

The public-owned developer wants to knock down the site, and replace it with 139 units spread over three stepped buildings in the former quarry.

However, its proposals have been twice rejected by the Planning Committee – in May last year, and again in March 2023.

In October, the taxpayer-owned organisation appealed against the second refusal to an independent inspector, who will recommend to the Environment Minister if the scheme – which is lower and smaller than JDC’s first incarnation – should be approved or not. More than half-a-million pounds has been spent on the project to date.

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