Plans for hospitality staff accommodation refused

Jersey's planning committee has refused plans to convert a restaurant in St Brelade into accommodation for hospitality workers.

A planning application had been put forward to convert The Tree House in La Marquanderie, which is permanently closed, into 25 residential units.

The committee refused the plans and said they did not meet policy requirements as the site is outside a built-up area and within a protected coastal area, so "development is tightly controlled".

Marcus Calvani, from the Jersey Hospitality Association, disagreed with the decision and said the industry was "in desperate need of staff accommodation".

The restaurant closed during the Covid pandemic.

Twenty-five units - 19 one-bedroom flats, two two-bedroom flats and four studio apartments - were proposed.

Committee members said the proposed development, "by virtue of its design, would result in a discordant and uncoordinated approach" which "fails to integrate with the existing built development effectively".

Mr Calvani said the industry was left at a "really tricky crossroad" due to the refusal.

He said: "I think we need to be embracive of investment into our island and helping people who are wanting to find solutions.

"It was described as a potential stampede for demand. There's huge barriers to business when it comes to housing and staff.

"As an island we're a very difficult place to come and work. We have a hugely high cost of living, people can bank more money or send more money home working in other jurisdictions so we've got to make it as easy as possible."

Nigel Godfrey, operations director at pub chain Randalls, had been in support of the application.

He said he would "welcome the provision of much needed quality staff accommodation" and that the refurbishment would "enhance the area".

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