Classic car collector refused permission to build another six-car garage

Monday 24 October 2016

A wealthy resident with a big classic car collection won't be putting a roof over them at his home in St Brelade.

The Planning Committee refused to overturn a decision to stop Iain Sharp building a second six-car garage at his property on Le Mont de la Rocque.

Mr Sharp already has a big garage at Belle Vue but wanted to build another one six metres tall and 11.2m by 13.5m - 150 square metres - so that he can bring more of his cars over to the Island.

His architect Tim Shudder from TS Associates pushed for it to be given the go-ahead saying he felt it was in line with policy. He said the main house has six bedrooms but there are also three, three bedroom cottages on the site and you'd normally expect a space per bedroom.

St Helier Deputy Russell Labey was one of three members of the panel who voted in favour of the build,

He said: "I think some slack can be cut because some ugly greenhouses were removed."

The Committee were divided, with one member saying it was the most difficult decision of the day, so it was up to the Chair, Constable Juliette Gallichan to have the final say. She voted against the build.

She said: "It's a tricky thing to think about because the site as a whole is quite extensive.....

"I understand the reasons for the application but the Green Zone is there for a reason."