Jerbourg bunker could be turned into home
A GERMAN bunker could be converted into a home, under plans put forward for planning permission.
The two-room concrete structure stands on the western side of the Jerbourg headland, near the Hotel Jerbourg, and used to be an ammunition store.
The application has been made by Bridge Developments, with A7 Design acting as the agent.
In the application, architectural technician Sam Peek said the building was suitable for conversion.
‘Without any doubt, the existing building is of sound and substantial construction, formed in mass reinforced concrete to all the walls, floors and roof structure,’ he said.
‘While there will be some works required to cut through the concrete walls internally and to form two window openings, this will not however result in the existing external walls being removed or reconstructed. Once converted, the proposed dwelling will offer an internal floor area of 61 square metres, which exceeds the minimum living standards of 35 square metres.’
An extension would increase the floor area by about 12%.
Mr Peek said this project would be an effective use of the land.
‘At present the WWII ammunition store, being a relic of the WWII occupation, is obviously empty and no longer in use for the purpose in which it was originally constructed for – to accommodate wartime munitions,’ he said.
‘The conversion of this structure, without the loss of a generously-sized agricultural area for farming, demonstrates that the most effective and efficient use of land within this locality will be achieved.’
If approved, the structure will be waterproofed internally by installing a new tanking system together with a thermal upgrade to the floors, walls and to the underside of the concrete ceiling.
New south- and west-facing glazing will provide natural light.
Under the proposals the two existing rooms would be converted into a living room and a bedroom, while the kitchen and bathroom would be created in the existing corridor. A sun lounge extension would create extra living space. Some parts of the internal concrete walls would be removed to open up the space.
The building is not protected.
This is not the first time a bunker has been converted into a living space.
Work is currently under way to convert a World War II personnel shelter at Rocquaine. That planning permission was granted to Bridge Developments.
n To view the plans for the latest project visit https://www.gov.gg/liveplanningapplications.
