Leales Yard moves a step closer to being regenerated
THE regeneration of the Leale's Yard is one step closer, after the a development framework for the site was approved.
The derelict, 12 acre brownfield site behind the Bridge belongs to the Channel Islands Cooperative Society and has been left derelict for years.
An extensive six-week consultation with all parts of the community looked at how the site could be used and the framework is then based around what would be allowed under the Island Development Plan.
The end result is to recommend a mixed site, with shops, restaurants and community uses close to the Bridge frontage on the east side of the site, while the western and southern sides would be for residential. How the site is divided up will affect how many houses could be created, with the framework stating that between 50 and 350 homes could be created.
Any proposed development will likely result in the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment. It is proposed that legislation be amended to allow the development to progress using outline planning permission.
The Development & Planning Authority has lodged a policy letter to ask the States to agree to such an approach.
D&PA president Dawn Tindall noted that this was the first of four frameworks originally planned for within Town and the
Bridge to help regenerate underused areas.
'The D&PA are very grateful for all those who took part in the consultation as the responses received not only resulted in
changes to the original draft but show there is real desire to see something happen with Leale’s Yard,' she said.
'Above all, there is an opportunity here to create an exemplar development that everyone can benefit from. We also hope the States approve the changes to the legislation to make development that much easier and support building on this site - the sooner the better.'
Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design' has been leading the project team appointed to create the development framework.
Hilary Satchwell, from the company, said: 'There has been a long-standing need to bring the Leale’s Yard site back into use and the adoption of this framework is an important step forward, bringing certainty to everyone of local expectations and acceptable parameters for new proposals.
'While the framework itself is based on the principles of sustainable, delivery-led development, a mix of uses, community activities and housing types with good connections and public realm and open space, there is also a sensible balance between what must happen in any new development and elements that can still be flexible. This flexibility will be essential for unlocking the site and bringing forward new uses for the community.'
