The landowner – and self proclaimed ‘King of Everland’ recently applied for planning permission to erect a portacabin to create a residential dwelling on the site, with associated works, including creating a porch and external steps on a bunker on the site.
Steve Ogier also asked for retrospective planning permission for a trailer and caravan to be installed on the site and he wanted to build a garage/store, with fencing for a dog run.
The Development and Planning Authority has said no, and said that decision was partly based on a consultation with the Castel Douzaine which was said to “strongly object” to his plans, and one letter of representation which also raised concerns about the proposed development.
The one letter of representation received by the DPA concerning Mr Ogier’s planning application focused on three issues.
The writer said that the principle of the proposed development is not supported by planning policies, they had concerns over the visual effect on the area, and the impact on the green lane for its intended users including damage caused.
The Castel Douzaine was consulted on the plans and was said “strongly object to the planning application” on the grounds that the area specified does not fall within the Island Development Plan, and that the proposed development would have an extremely detrimental effect on the rural character of the area.
The Development and Planning Authority ultimately rejected the plans explaining that Mr Ogier’s land lies within an Agriculture Priority Area, where residential developments are not ordinarily granted under the Island Development Plan.
Among other reasons for refusing the plans in consideration with the IDP, the DPA also said that Mr Ogier’s designs were not of a “high standard”.
Mr Ogier had attempted to declare independence from Guernsey, calling his parcel of land ‘Everland’ and declaring himself King of Everland in 2018 as part of an ongoing fight to be allowed to build a home along Ruette du Frocq.
He bought the land in 2011, and initially he had planning permission approved to use two bunkers on site for storage, but that ran out in 2013, before being granted again in 2016.
In January 2018 Mr Ogier sought advice on changing the use of the land from domestic storage to living accommodation, but he was told it was highly unlikely to be granted, and in any case, work should not be done without prior planning permission. He proceeded anyway.
Planning sanctions were levied against him when it was reported he was living on the site, and despite declaring independence from Guernsey the island’s Royal Court said he must abide by the island’s development laws.
Mr Ogier did not make any formal planning applications concerning the site for around a decade until these latest plans were lodged in December 2024, and subsequently rejected.
He is able to appeal the decision through planning laws.
Pictured top: Everland is on Ruette du Frocq in the Castel. (Inset) Steve Ogier.
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King denied permission to build a home in Everland
