Two emergency sleeping pods will be ready for use at the Vale Douzaine as early as next month after planners gave the nod to the first of its kind scheme.

Caritas said it was “thrilled” with the decision which enables the charity to “help people suffering homelessness in Guernsey”.

It added the two pods, designed by Amazing Grace Spaces, have already been ordered and should be installed in October ahead of the winter months. 

Planning said the 8ft by 6ft pods could remain in the car park of the Douzaine for an initial two year period. 

They are being treated as emergency, non-permanent accommodation only, with the planning permission stating that they are “unsuitable for longer or more regular periods of occupation”. 

The pods cannot be occupied for more than seven consecutive days by any user, and no one person is allowed to live in a unit at the site for more than 30 nights per year.

Pictured: The pods will be placed in a corner of the Vale Douzaine car park.

One letter opposing the application questioned how suitable a car park was for living and where the occupants would wash and eat. 

But Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation said it was satisfied with the temporariness of the scheme and had no concerns over drainage. 

Planning said there would be no effect on parking, neighbouring properties and the pods are of “acceptable design and appearance”. 

Caritas thanked the Vale Douzaine and architect StudiO who assisted with the plans.

Volunteers and community partners are now being sought to help maintain and manage the pods.

Graham Merfield, Chair of Caritas, said this marks the beginning of wider plans to build a modular village to support those without homes.

“These pods are not a final solution, but they provide immediate shelter for those in urgent need. They are also the first step towards our longer-term vision of creating a community of modular homes, giving people the chance to rebuild their lives with stability and hope,” he said.

Individuals or organisations interested in helping can contact volunteer@caritas.org.gg (for volunteering) or office@caritas.org.gg (for business and partnership enquiries).