An application to demolish the now-closed shop and four smaller commercial units to make way for two four-bedroom, three-storey family homes was backed by the Planning Committee on Thursday by four votes to two.
The stepped, flat-roofed, adjoining units will look directly over the beach, and include a master bedroom and terrace on the top floor.
Representing the applicant, architect George De Sousa said that the proposal provided two much-needed family homes instead of more flats.
He added that it would replace a redundant shop and stores which had had poor facilities and a lack of parking, especially when compared to nearby stores, such as Roberts Garage and Iceland.
The scheme also involved widening the pavement outside the properties to 2m, which would be ceded to the public when completed,” he added.
Pictured: An artist’s impression of the development from the Coast Road (Credit: Page Architects).
The St. Clement scheme was approved by the group of politicians against the objections of the owner of next-door property ‘La Maisonette’, who argued that the proposed development was oppressive and would have an overbearing impact on his home, where he had lived for 23 years.
Addressing the committee’s public meeting, John Hill said that the commercial viability of the existing buildings had not been fully explored and nearby cottages to the east had been sympathetically restored, which should set a precedent for this plot.
Pictured: The former Coast Road Stores is between the slipways at Le Dicq and La Grande Charrière.
However, the majority of the committee were not persuaded.
Chair, Constable Philip Le Sueur, said: “On balance, it is not unreasonable to expect development on this site, which is in the ‘built-up area’ according to the Bridging Island Plan.
“The site is dilapidated and in much need of redevelopment and to some degree it is refreshing that the application is for family homes rather than apartments.”
He added: “There will be an impact on neighbouring properties, particularly La Maisonette, but the test is whether it is ‘unreasonable’ or not. There will always be compromises and I believe this development has done enough to get my support.”
Also voting in favour was committee Vice-Chair Deputy Steve Luce, Constable Kevin Lewis and Deputy Mary Le Hegarat. Voting against were Deputy Andy Howell and Constable Richard Honeycombe.
Panel member Deputy Alex Curtis was not involved in the determination because he is a parish representative but spoke against the application and in support of Mr Hill.