Permission given to convert west coast bunker into home
A GERMAN BUNKER on the west coast can be converted into a one-bed home after planning permission was granted.
Bridge Developments Ltd made the application for the 1940s structure, which is on the landward side of Route de Rocquaine, near the former fish factory.
Under the plans, the reinforced concrete walls that flank the bunker will be retained, but the existing wall at the rear will be demolished and a new blockwork wall built. The extension will house the lounge and kitchen/diner. The foliage on the north, south and west sides of the structure will be retained. Inside the bunker a bedroom, en-suite and utility room will be created, with two sun tunnels to get light into the bedroom. Thermal insulation will be installed on the internal walls.
Part of the land around the bunker can be used as domestic curtilage and parking.
There was only one objection to the plans, from a neighbour who was concerned about the loss of agricultural land.
La Societe Guernesiaise also raised concerned about the loss of part of the field, which is part of the Agricultural Priority Area.
The St Peter’s constables had no objections.
Under planning law, the creation of new homes outside the main centres is allowed only through the subdivision of an existing home or by converting an existing redundant building.
The bunker was built during the war as a personnel shelter and could house up to 15 men in the three rooms.
‘The structure is clearly redundant and it has been satisfactorily demonstrated that it is no longer required or capable of being used for its current or last known purpose,’ the planning report stated.
The report notes that the building is of sound construction, with walls between one and two metres thick. The building is not protected, although it is possible for Second World War structures to be put on the protected building register.
The bunker was put on the market for £155,000 last year.
No one from Bridge Developments Ltd was available to comment.
