Extension plans rejected due to "overdevelopment" fears

Saturday 10 June 2023

Plans to build an extension onto a property in St. Brelade to house the applicant's parents have been rejected due to fears of "overdevelopment" in the area.

Members of the Planning Committee voted unanimously to reject the proposal because of the precedent it could create for building property extensions on Clos de Sables – which they say is an already built-up area.

Applicant Katie Donelly told the Planning Committee on Thursday that she was hoping to "support" her family by building the one-bedroom extension for her parents.

She added that the plans include wheelchair access for her parents to enter the property.

"I wouldn't be renting it out to a stranger; I'm renting it out to my mother and father," said Ms Donelly.

However committee member, Constable Marcus Troy voiced concerns that granting permission "would set a huge precendent".

He explained: "Our job is to look to the future, this case would set a huge precedent.

"It would allow allow just about everyone in the area, who have similar needs, to make an application."

Deputy Tom Coles said that he can not solely focus on what the current owners want to do with the property, when deciding on granting planning permission.

Constable Deirdre Mezbourian labelled the current area on Clos de Sables as "overdeveloped".

She also criticised the lack of storage in the proposed one-bedroom flat.

"The insufficient storage is causing me a problem," added the St Lawrence Constable. 

"It is irrelevant that there is storage in the main property. It is a single separate residence, which could be sold in the future,"