National Trust objects to Rocco's café expansion plans

Friday 13 January 2023

The National Trust is objecting to plans for an upgraded café and bar at a St. Ouen golf activity centre over concerns it would be "overdevelopment" of the coastal area.

Rocco's Activity Centre, which runs the Crazy Golf course at the Les Mielles driving range, is hoping to remove their existing office, snack bar and store to make way for an improved kitchen and café.

Seven of the existing driving range stalls are also planned to be converted into an open-air 'alfresco' seating area.

However, the National Trust for Jersey have already issued an objection to the proposals.

Pictured: The proposed plans showing the newly allocated space for a cafe/bar in yellow. 

They argue that, as Rocco's Activity Centre is situated within the Coastal National Park, the planned development may be in breach of requirements set out in the Bridging Island Plan, which state that any development taking place in the Coastal National Park area must protect or improve the area's landscape or seascape character.

The National Trust therefore objects to the plans on the grounds that "the proposed change of use from a sporting/leisure activity to a cafe/bar and restaurant does not seem to be compatible with such provisions" and appears to them to be "an overdevelopment of this site".

It also criticised Rocco's for failing to provide a design statement containing more detail about the plans.

The application - which has been graded as 'Major' by Planning - will be decided at a later date.