Go-ahead given for full redevelopment of La Grande Mare
PLANNING permission has finally been granted for a total redevelopment of La Grande Mare Hotel at Vazon.
Nearly 18 months after first plans were submitted with the backing of billionaire owner Stephen Lansdown, who bought the complex in 2019, the project has eventually had the go-ahead from planners. There have been frustrations over the project and fears that the development could have been stalled for good.
But now it is likely to signal celebrations for those who could benefit from a tourism, sport, or economic boost.
‘I’m really pleased to see planning permission granted for this site,’ said Deputy Victoria Oliver, president of the Development & Planning Authority.
‘It’s an application which needed to consider a lot of different elements and which needed to balance enabling of economic and social potential for Guernsey, while also mitigating any environmental impact.
'Taking into account all the assessments, representations and comments received, it was concluded that the balance of consideration rests very clearly in favour of the proposals, and we’re excited to see the benefits this development will bring to our local community.’
The application looks to redesign, improve and expand La Grande Mare, with the offer of significant potential for economic growth and tourism for the island.
The planning application for the site proposes the demolition of the existing buildings, which date from the 1970s, and driving range.
They would be replaced with a ‘Country Club’-style building containing a golf club, health and fitness club, restaurant and event facilities, 15 self-catering visitor accommodation lodges, a new driving range and academy building, with storage sheds and parking, a new parking area, new access off Le Gele Road, and the extension and remodelling of the existing golf course.
Deputy Oliver said that the planning application for such a high-profile site had attracted some media interest, but at the same time has received limited representations from the public.
Mr Lansdown closed the hotel during the first lockdown in spring 2020 and brought forward his development plans, hoping for permission earlier this year and completion in 2023.
The final application was submitted in February 2021, which described the current property as ‘disjointed, deteriorating and no longer fit for purpose’.
Mr Lansdown was not available for comment yesterday.
