Idlerocks plans seek to break link with house

Planning permission was granted in 2018, with 25 conditions. One was that work would have to start within three years, meaning the permission expires early next year.

But a more problematic one for the developer seems to have been the condition which means the residential unit cannot be occupied until the hotel is completed and in commercial operation.

In an unusual step, project architect Andrew Merrett has written to planners with a new application, which is identical to the approved 2018 project, except asking for the link between the house and hotel to be severed.

‘This scheme has not been brought forward by our clients as yet due to the ongoing fragile nature of the Guernsey tourism market, which has been compounded by the current Covid pandemic,’ he said.

‘To secure the development potential of the site, it is vital that the link between the residential dwelling and the hotel are separated so that works can proceed on site engaging the planning permission.

‘This would allow the construction and occupation of the dwelling without it being constrained by the hotel use.

‘We would urge the department to approve this application in a timely manner so that this important development has the opportunity to reach fruition.’

Once part of the project is started, it will activate the application. However, if this does not take place within three years, the permission lapses.

So if even only the house is built, without the hotel, this will be treated as the application having been activated and there is then no set limit on the permission expiring.

The site has fallen derelict since a fire in the kitchens of the Jerbourg hotel in 2003.

The subsequent blaze resulted in two-thirds of the roof collapsing.

The application has been submitted again by Ramle Rocks Limited.

Mr Merrett said, looking at the States’ Revive and Thrive document, it was clear that approving the Idlerocks application would have substantial economic and social benefits to the island.

‘The development will be procured locally and the building’s servicing and long-term maintenance will be undertaken locally,’ he said.

‘Supporting our economy must be considered a key issue at this time.’

The proposed hotel would include a restaurant and spa. The house would be built under the hotel.

The project would take advantage of the east coast views across the Little Russel towards Sark and Herm.

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