La Pointe developers submit plans to keep protected trees

Hillstone Guernsey Ltd had originally proposed for eight dwellings at La Pointe – a triangular field on Braye Road, close to Alliance. But this was rejected, as was a revised application for six houses.

A tree protection order was then imposed on the trees around the field, many of which would have been felled under the previous plans.

But now a new application has been submitted, which would see just two detached houses created in the centre of the site. This would allow the trees to be kept.

In the planning application, project architect Andrew Merrett said he believed the latest scheme complied with Island Development Plan rules.

A new access would be created halfway along the site’s boundary with Les Mares Pellees road.

The existing road junction with Braye Road would also be widened to improve visibility, and it is planned that a ceramic Vale parish crest be placed on the junction as a piece of public art.

The houses themselves would each have three bedrooms and two storeys.

‘[The proposal for two dwellings has been] driven by the site constraints, key of which is the protected trees and their root protection areas, and the biodiversity contained within the site’s overgrown boundary planting, together with the open nature of the site,’ the design statement states.

‘Given the constraints of the site, we believe this is an effective and efficient use of the site. The proposals are respectful of the adjoining protected buildings, with the new buildings located remote from the boundaries, allowing the character of the protected buildings to be maintained within their current setting.’

The application included two letters of support from estate agents at Swoffers and Savills, who both said that there had been a rise in demand during lockdown and these kinds of properties would sell well.

n The plans can be viewed at https://www.gov.gg/liveplanningapplications.