Major Gas Place development approved

Monday 09 March 2015

A major development for almost 300 homes on the Jersey Gas site has been approved this morning despite protests by residents and politicians.

Environment Minister Steve Luce has approved the development of up to 285 homes on the site in Tunnell Street.

In September the former Environment Minister Rob Duhamel stalled on a decision for the site after a packed hall at a Planning meeting urged him not to back the plans.

At the meeting, residents of the Gas Place area - including one young mother who gave evidence while holding her baby - said that the plans were too big, that they would cause chaos for already scarce parking in the area, that the flats would tower over neighbouring homes and that the lack of amenity space would create social problems.

A statement issued by Planning this morning acknowledged the potential problems, but said that the development would create “vibrant housing” and remove a potentially hazardous commercial use” from the area.

Planning’s Development Control Director, Peter Le Gresley, said: “The Minister has carefully considered the amended plans and all representations received, assessed the development against the States-approved Island Plan, the North Town Masterplan and the planning guidance for the Jersey Gas site, and on balance has decided to approve the application.”

The approval granted this morning requires the developers to contribute a cycle link through from the site to Belmont Road, provide 30 public parking spaces and a bus shelter, and move the buildings back from Tunnell Street.