The Development & Planning Authority has given the green light for a dedicated second-hand children’s store on the site. The hospice will use the proceeds to help fund the salaries of its nurses.
A planning covenant on the St Sampson’s visitor attraction, dating back to 2017, meant that while the centre has a number of shops, including craft shops, gift shops and eateries, charity shops were expressly not allowed, so as not to compete with shops in the main centres of St Peter Port and the Bridge.
But with Les Bourgs looking for more opportunities to raise funds, the DPA and the owners of Oatlands Village have agreed to allow a charity shop selling only children’s clothes, toys and accessories.
DPA president Neil Inder praised his vice-president Lee van Katwyk for the suggestion of a childrens-only shop – which settled concerns about detracting business from shopping areas.
‘This has been about finding the right way to support a local business and a valued charity, while not taking away from what retail has to offer in town and on the Bridge,’ he said.
‘Credit must go to Deputy van Katwyk who first suggested that a shop selling children’s items only would meet everyone’s needs. We want to be a committee that listens and works with groups like local businesses and the charitable sector to find solutions that benefit our island.’
As revealed by the Guernsey Press last December, Oatlands owner Chris Coles had spent months requesting the DPA to make the simple amendment to the covenant that would allow a new charity shop to move in.
But had repeatedly been turned down, as Planning told him that while it was sympathetic to the situation, it was bound by law.
‘As was the case over 10 years ago when we agreed the planning covenant with the director of Planning, Jim Rowles has always been open, friendly and professional in trying to find a way forward when a proposal is “good for Guernsey”,’ said Mr Coles.
‘We will do our utmost to make this very profitable for Les Bourgs by continuing to invest in the presentation, and range of activities for families at Oatlands.’
The shop is set to open in the former Game Changers unit by the exit of the car park. Oatlands Village general manager Hilton Ruch said the space would be a ‘perfect fit’, and that the accessible location would help boost fundraising.
‘It took a lot of hard work, effort and dedication for our side to make it work with the Planning Department and the hospice,’ he said.
‘We’re very grateful to the DPA, Neil Inder and the team for allowing this to proceed. And we’re happy that we can provide a space for Les Bourgs to continue fundraising for such a good cause. We believe it’s the perfect fit for the site, and think they will be very successful there. Everybody who comes into Oatlands will most likely just pop in to Les Bourgs on the way out.’
Les Bourgs Hospice CEO, Rob Jones also thanked Planning and the team at Oatlands for their support.
‘Like all hospices, Les Bourgs faces ongoing funding challenges, and it’s only through the generosity of our community, local businesses, and the States that we can continue to provide hospice care in the Bailiwick,’ he said.
‘There are people that work very hard to help us get to where we are now, and we’re very appreciative of that, because without them we wouldn’t be able to have this opportunity. Most importantly, our shops are the main way in which we pay with the funds the nurses salaries. So this is huge for us.’
Mr Jones said the hospice is busy recruiting enough volunteers to staff the new shop, and collecting sufficient stock through donations of children’s clothing and toys. Last month it opened a second shop on South Side at the Bridge. It has not yet said the new Oatlands shop will be ready to open.
‘The kindness of those who donate, volunteer their time, support us through their businesses, or assist us through the States truly keeps us going,’ he added.