The Infinity Group is working with the Guernsey Housing Association on a new development, which could see around 100 new homes built at the Mallard Complex over the next three years.
A planning application has been submitted confirming that the majority of the new units delivered through the public/private partnership will be ‘affordable housing’ managed by the GHA.
“We are all delighted to see the publication today of the planning application to develop around 100 new homes on a site adjacent to the Mallard Complex in the Forest,” said Paul Nobes, Director of Infinity Group.
“The intention at this stage is for the majority of these homes to be Affordable Housing, with delivery of these through the Guernsey Housing Association.
“It is a scheme which Infinity Group has been working on for some time, and has the full support and encouragement of deputies de Sausmarez and Roffey. We all believe the site has many unique advantages which makes it an ideal development through which to help ease Guernsey’s housing supply pressures.”
The Mallard Complex was identified as a potential development site through a Draft Development Framework approved by the States’ Development and Planning Authority three years ago.
At that time it was suggested the site could be used to “create specialised housing”, including extra-care accommodation, nursing, and residential homes.
However, no planning applications have ever been submitted with those uses in mind.
Infinity’s plans would see housing built for the GHA – meeting the States definition of ‘affordable housing’ – while also allowing the development of private ownership properties.
The private business and the GHA have already worked together on one such partnership, in the Oberlands, which is nearing completion.
Mr Nobes said if everything goes well, his team could start work early next year, delivering the 100 new units of accommodation within another two years.
“…the nature of the site means it can be developed more quickly than many of the larger sites earmarked for Affordable Housing,” he said.
“Infinity estimates that, subject to the necessary approvals, the phased development could start on site in February 2026 with homes completing between Autumn 2028 and Autumn 2029.”
Mr Nobes said he is particularly excited about the potential development that could be built at the Mallard Complex because of its location in the south of the island, which would help feed demand for new housing to be built across Guernsey.
He said the Forest is ready for this type of development because it already has supporting infrastructure ready for new residents.
“Not only are local centres the preferred sites for new development away from the main centres but they already have the infrastructure to support that development,” said Mr Nobes.
“For example, the two Forest centres have shops, petrol stations, a primary school, pubs and even a cinema.
“On the other [eastern] side of the local centre is a well-established Affordable Housing estate which this new provision will form a counterbalance to, sharing the infrastructure and social provision mentioned above.”
The GHA said it “considers the site to fit well within its development programme” and that, through working with Infinity, “the homes could come forward before those on GHA’s larger, and more complex, development sites”.
“The location also adds value, providing affordable homes outside the north of the island and helping to spread access to Affordable Housing more evenly across the island,” added the GHA.