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The owners of the Portelet Bay Café are welcoming a decision by Planning to allow them to go ahead with plans to stabilise the cliff face and put new seating outside, after what they describe as a "stressful and extremely costly process."
In January 2021, Piers Ostroumoff requested permission for the work, but there was opposition from some residents who feared an increase in anti-social behaviour, traffic and an effect on wildlife.
Speaking to Express, Alexandra Ostroumoff commented: "We are certainly pleased to receive this welcome news. It has been a long wait and a stressful and extremely costly process...but we are heading in the right direction."
We’d like to Thank the independent planning inspector , Sue Bell, for her comprehensive report. Also Thank you to the assistant minister for environment for their final decision and for the thorough understanding of policy NE6
— Portelet Bay Cafe (@porteletbaycafe) March 17, 2022
Planning received 163 public comments whilst the application was being considered - the majority supporting the business’s request.
One stated: “...The café is a high quality, environmentally aware, locally owned and run establishment that adds real value to Portelet Bay.
“Portelet café is exactly the type of business and building that adds character to our beautiful island and deserves our support."
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They were also supported by the CEO of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Murray Norton, who said: “This establishment and the owners should be held up as examples of excellence in how to provide a coastal café experience, whilst adding to the environmental and ecological wellbeing of the area, that might provide a valuable template for others to learn from and is a shining example of a tourism attraction that remains sympathetic to its surroundings, neighbours and the environment."
However, there were a few concerns from residents that ultimately delayed the process for the small business.
Issues raised by members of the public opposing the planning application included a potential increase in anti-social behaviour and traffic, and effects on wildlife.
“Light, noise and smell pollution will increase dramatically should this proposal be granted… Litter has become a problem with takeaway boxes... which results in residents having to clear up the mess.
“The only way for members of the public to access the beach and café is on foot via steep steps or off La Rue Voisin… There is only a small stretch of parish road which once full, creates the need for both outward and inward bound traffic to merge into a single file”.
However, Alexandra Ostroumoff stated that "the independent planning inspector has stated she sees no harm to the coastal park, or impact on neighbouring properties, and can understand the clear need for stabilisation to the bank."
Pictured top: The café at the centre of the planning application. (Portelet Bay Café)
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