Plans to "improve the current living conditions" of 19-person house

Tuesday 19 September 2023

Plans been submitted to convert a 'House of Multiple Occupancy' – which currently houses 19 occupants in eight bedsits and one two-bedroom apartment – into five modern apartments.

The planning application, by applicant ROK Consortium, seeks permission to adjust the occupancy of 2 Belmont Villa Apartments at Simon Place in St. Helier.

A supporting statement by JSL Architecture says that the conversion will "improve the current living conditions" and the property's appeal by reducing the number of units to five, accommodating a total of 11 residents. 

This change, it is argued, will align the property with the neighbouring residential properties in the "built-up" area.

Pictured: Existing street view of Simon Place Road, described in the planning application as a "cohesive historical street".

The statement explains that the reconfiguration of communal spaces will offer improved private amenities and enhance the living conditions for residents.

JSL Architecture describes the provision of "better-quality private amenity spaces" for the ground-floor units and the addition of a first-floor balcony for one of the units.

Despite only offering two parking spaces for the proposed 11 residents, the planning application says that the proposed design promotes walking and cycling by including enhanced pedestrian access and bicycle parking.

Pictured: The site is located at 2 Belmont Villa Apartment, Simon Place, St. Helier.

The plans also aim to reduce the property's energy consumption by 20% through renovation and design practices.

To maintain the building's character, the proposal includes external enhancements such as decoration, replacement windows, and guttering which are intended to preserve the building's historical aesthetics.

The full planning application is available online.