MORE partial ownership properties are to be built at the former bus garage site in the Bouet. The Guernsey Housing Association has submitted an application to the Environment Department for permission to demolish the garage and replace it with 78 residential units.

The redevelopment of the site has been in the pipeline for more than two years, but a number of setbacks had delayed the planning application.

‘The homes will be split between social rental and partial ownership,’ said Housing minister Dave Jones.

‘The call for partial ownership has been much greater than we first thought. The 10 partially owned properties at Roseville were snapped up very quickly and it seems that this is something the Guernsey people want to take up.’

Deputy Jones said the bus garage site was the next phase in the Corporate Housing Programme.

‘The Housing Department has been working very hard with the GHA to get this through. It’s another development to meet the needs of the Guernsey people.

‘It’s important to have as many methods as possible available to enable islanders to place that first step onto the housing ladder.’

The GHA bought the former garage, workshop and offices for £2.57m. It has been estimated that it will cost £9.5m. to develop it.

As well as the new properties, the plans include the creation of an access road and 98 parking spaces.