The former Island FM building on Southside at the Bridge is to be converted into four flats – but no one will be able to move in until the wider Bridge area has a proper flood defence plan.
Planning permission has been given for two one-bed and two two-bed units to be built at 12 Westerbook, St Sampsons – the address famously announced by presenters on Island FM over three decades as it broadcast from studios there before moving into town in 2024.
Part of the Westerbrook building dates back to pre-1900 while the newer parts were built between 1996 and 2001.
The building will now be remodelled into four separate residential units, with allocated parking for each and secure bicycle parking.
As the site is within the Main Centre Inner Boundary the new flats will not need designated outdoor space.
As the Bridge is within a known flood risk area, that had to be taken into consideration by architects A7 and the planning officers reviewing the application.
Work is already being planned in the wider Bridge area around flood defence mitigation, linked with future work to redevelop Leale’s Yard, the Kenilworth and Saltpan vineries, and the data park site.
The Westerbrook application was deferred so a flood risk statement could be drafted which was later revised to fully address all forms of flooding and to indicate evacuation routes for future residents in an emergency.
Options explored included raising floor levels and thresholds, adding surface water drainage channels across each entrance, and other modifications to the courtyard.
“However, the proposal generally relies on a potential, but not yet approved future flood protection scheme which may not be in place for many years which could leave the developers at risk if the units are occupied prior to this,” warned the planning officers.
“To address this, prior to first occupation, additional details of the proposed defences/mitigation measures included in the flood risk statement will be required, and their installation and maintenance will be secured by condition in order to ensure the provision of permanent suitable flood risk defences,” confirmed the DPA.
Additionally, each of the six bedrooms across the four new flats will be upstairs to reduce the flood risk while the occupants are sleeping.
Island FM had operated from the building from 1992 until 2024. Initially it was leased, but Tindle Radio bought the building in 2017 for £522,500.00. Current owner, Mr Miah bought it for £560,625.00 in 2025.
Island FM now broadcasts from studios at the top of Le Bordage in St Peter Port.