Select a region
An independent planning inspector has given a damning indictment of the living conditions for one young family in States' accommodation at Le Collette flats.
In one flat, Philip Staddon describes: "...the smell of damp and mould was quite overpowering in the children’s bedroom despite the tenants’ clear endeavours to scrub and clean the walls.”
His comments are made in his response to a planning appeal against Andium Homes, who want to to knock down five low-rise buildings in front of the 14-storey La Collette tower block and build five new blocks – 147 flats - on the site and the adjoining open space.
The new blocks would be taller than the current ones and would be three to six storeys high. Two floors of parking at basement level are also included in the scheme. Objectors say the scheme will mean the loss of open space; impact on the character of the area and on neighbours; that the density and scale of the scheme are out of keeping; and that the current buildings are listed.
Mr Staddon's most damning comments are made on whether the Grade 4 listed buildings should be demolished.
He seems to be shocked by what he saw: “I inspected one of the flats which I was advised was representative of the problems experienced in the complex. This flat, occupied by a family with children, had widespread damp and mould in the main living areas. The smell of damp and mould was quite overpowering in the children’s bedroom despite the tenants’ clear endeavours to scrub and clean the walls.”
He goes on to say: “...these were not issues of poor maintenance or neglect, but of longstanding failings inherent in the original design. The living conditions that I witnessed, particularly for young children, are wholly unacceptable in modern day Jersey.”
On the open space issue Mr Staddon notes most of it will go, but that “the loss will not have any serious impact on the adequacy, quality and accessibility of open space in the area.”
And he believes the modified plans that have been submitted have got over the previous problems of scale and context.
In his report Mr Staddon concludes the appeal be dismissed and Andium Homes be given the go ahead to develop the site.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.