The CI Coop has been told it can reduce the size of its Longstore shop, and open a new takeaway on the site.
A planning application for the change of use of part of the store and associated works was submitted earlier this year.
The plans revealed that a change in the layout of the Longstore Localé would free up space at the front of the shop – facing St George’s Esplande and the sea – that would be used for a takeaway kitchen, serving area, and customer seating.
That work has been approved, meaning the Coop store will be reduced in size to 2,600 square feet while the new takeaway could cover around 1,800 square feet of the floor space.
A partition would be created to divide the takeaway from the food shop, with the tills relocated to within the smaller footprint of the new look Longstore Locale.
The CI Coop’s Chief Property and Sustainability Officer said at the time the application was lodged that the proposed change of use for part of the Longstore Localé made up part of a wider plan for the business.
In considering the planning application, the DPA acknowledged that the Island Development Plan is intended to “help maintain and create a socially inclusive, healthy and
economically strong island, while balancing these objectives with the protection and
enhancement of Guernsey’s built and natural environment and the need to use land
wisely”.
Despite concerns raised around noises and smells from the new takeaway business, it was decided that the change of use will “contribute to the vitality and viability of the local
area and, in principle, is compatible with surrounding uses where there is a mixture
of residential and commercial properties”.
It’s proposed the takeaway would have some seating inside, and would be open between 11:00 and 23:15 Sunday – Thursdays, and between 11:00 and 01:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.
The concerns raised focused on whether noises and smells would be contained and whether they would disturb neighbours.
The DPA addressed noise and odour mitigation measures and said these will need to be confirmed before the new business can open.
The application doesn’t state what kind of takeaway it will be, nor has the CI Coop offered that information up so far.
The business did say in its application that things like the height of air vents and noise pollution have been considered and assessed to limit any disruption for nearby residents.
While work is going on to create a takeaway on the ground floor, office space on the first floor will be subdivided to create two separate residential units.
There are already two flats on the second floor as well.
When it lodged the planning application, the Coop said: “As part of a planned strategy for the management of our property, the CI Coop are progressing with proposals to improve both the shopping experience for our customers and the accommodation we are able to offer our Guernsey colleagues.
“The planned works at Longstore will increase by two the number of residential apartments at the building whilst also offering customers a food take-away and restaurant option alongside the existing retail convenience store serving homes in the area.
“When completed, these improvements to the building will not only enhance the value of the building to the CI Coop, but also provide additional services and employment opportunities for the island.”