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The National Trust is backing a plan to buy an empty café and car park at Grève de Lecq for the benefit of the public.
The States Assembly this week will debate a proposal by Deputy Lyndon Farnham, which calls on the Government to negotiate the purchase of the beachside eatery, which used to be called the Seaside Café and, before that, the Romany Café.
The café – whose large car park used to be a free for visitors to the bay – has been closed since 2020 and is now completely fenced off.
In January 2022, its new owners obtained planning permission to redevelop the site which would see the existing site demolished and replaced with a four-bedroom home and 100-seat diner.
It is currently on the market for £5m undeveloped or £11m with the luxury home and café built.
The National Trust for Jersey has now voiced its support for Deputy Farnham’s proposition, as well as an amendment from fellow District One Deputy Lucy Stephenson, who is calling for the Government to devise a policy on buying properties for sale which are in similarly prominent and sensitive locations.
Pictured: Deputy Farnham's proposition will be debated this week.
In a statement, the Council of the National Trust for Jersey, said: “The National Trust for Jersey very much welcomes and supports Deputy Farnham’s proposition to acquire the site of the former Romany Café at Grève de Lecq for the benefit of the island.
“Maintaining adequate access to Grève de Lecq and ensuring such strategic sites deliver a range of benefits to our community including cultural, environmental, social, and economic will help safeguard the enormous value of our coastal landscape for generations to come.
“It is absolutely crucial that this is seen as a long-term investment and in this respect the Trust endorses part (c) of Deputy Stephenson’s amendment, which would enable the Government of Jersey to consider acquiring similar sites when these are about to be placed on the open market.”
It added: “Undoubtedly Jersey’s coastline is one of our most important assets and it is widely appreciated and enjoyed by Islanders and visitors alike.
“However, such assets require investment and management if they are to be secure and grow in value. This proposition and the amendment recognise this requirement and the Trust sincerely hopes it will be welcomed by the States Assembly and islanders alike.”
District Deputies Kristina Moore and Ian Gorst – the Chief and Treasury Ministers respectively – have both said they support the principle of the proposition but would like to see it deferred while negotiations with the owner take place.
Push to buy "iconic" Grève de Lecq to safeguard public access
Chief and Treasury Ministers back Grève de Lecq purchase
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