Fourth storey on former post office ‘would rob people of top view’
Tuesday 4th January 2011, 2:29PM GMT.
Scaffolding indicates height of a fourth floor on Nelson House in which a UK retailer is interested. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 1067677)
AN ARCHITECT has played down fears that developing the former Smith Street post office will ruin one of Town’s prime views.
Lovell Ozanne director Andrew Merrett said a planning application for works to Nelson Place would be submitted this month.
‘We are currently in negotiations with a UK retailer who is new to the island,’ he said.
He added that although the look of the building would remain the same an extra floor would be built on top, giving a basement, ground, first and second floor.
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That would take away quite a large chunk of that coastal view our of St Peter Port.
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The existing view must be kept, as it ‘opens up’ that part of town, and to lose it on the whim of a developer would be awful
And yes, I am aware that Nelson Place is owned by the States
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Ah, I wondered what that scaffold was there for.
Readers, please look at this scaffolding from standing on the pavement between OGH entrance and Hirzel Street. That view from Anns Place across the harbour-mouth and herm is beautiful and framed perfectly by the buildings already there. This development won’t just change the view, it will block it out altogether.
You can’t build it up there because some corporation wants more space – Hell, No.
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at present a lovely view of the harbour and islands walking down from the OGH so Nothing to say except a big long nooooo, let the retailer find somewhere else.
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It’s stupid that this is even being thought about. Is it an early April Fool’s day joke?
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Shouldn’t even be considered !
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I was horrified to read the article in yesterday’s Press and I too wondered if it was an early ‘April Fool’.
This was nothing however to the shock I received today as I walked past the OGH. This must NEVER be allowed to happen. It would ruin a wonderful view.
Please lobby your deputy or shout long and hard.
It will be too late to complain once the view has been lost.
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i didn’t realise u had a right to a view in guernsey!
hopefully the retailer is a large department store to give mr creasey a run for his money and break his monopoly of the high street, bringing a bit of price competition and a well needed boost to the job market…..
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I saw this today and was wondering if there is anywhere we can note our displeasure at the idea? It will block the whole view as you drive down towards Smith Street which is a shame as it’s a great view!
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An unexpected view somehow makes it even more special. I drive down St Anne’s place very morning, the beauty of a sunrise through the pier heads and the outlook towards Jethou and Sark can set me up for the day – assuming no fog of course! Can think of absolutely no good reason for allowing this. Would just note that as an option has been secured by a developer, the States will see no financial benefit from the Environment Dept granting permission.
Agree with Greg’s comment but recent history has seen one or three ‘April Fools’ being passed and built every year.
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So long as we have idiots running the Island as so called politicians, then one must accept that they will all wear the ‘OLD SCHOOL TIE’
Isn’t it about time that these useless lot listened a little to the people.
This latest is to fulfill some persons ego:
It should be made quite plainly that if you go ahead, then you are against the wishes of the People, and will take the consequences at the next election.
One more item to put into memory book folks.
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Given how many people seem to be concentrating on the view and not the road, I think this should be allowed as a safety measure ……
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I wouldn`t mind betting that not one of you ever noticed the view, which is very limited to one point, before the Press pointed it out.
Stop talking rubbish. Build and be damned.
After the building`s ended no one will notice the difference. If you cast your minds back, what happened to the view from the Bailiff`s office in the old royal court building? Why, they built an office block in front of it and who noticed? The bailiff, but he`s lived through it.
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Some householders may have been told “You do not have a right to a view” when their neighbour builds up his property but in the context of this significant development I am looking at the Urban Area Plan (2002) where public views of the townscape are protected. By anyone’s estimation surely this is a “public view” that benefits so many people and gives us the satisfaction of knowing that we have arrived at the final descent into our capital and its port?
“4.2.2.2 Skyline and public views
Planning policies cannot guarantee private views from individual properties. Public views,
however, which contribute to the interest and general character of the townscape should
be protected. These views vary, from glimpses of an individual landmark or feature to
general panoramas and vistas of and from the sea. Roofscapes are important aspects of
views into and across the Town. Certain skyline features, such as church towers and
spires, are dominant and established landmarks and should remain so. Proposals will be
assessed for their potential effect on public views in terms of siting, scale and massing.
Policy DBE6
Development will not normally be acceptable if it adversely affects an
important public view of a landmark, the skyline or the sea.”
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It will be an utter scandal if this goes up.
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With all the anti Environment feeling they have already self-generated with their A-board campaigns I predict a riot if they say yes to this
Unless you are looking at your feet as you walk down past the OGH it is impossible to miss this excellent view
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I was indeed shocked how they could think of changing the skyline of town yet again.
This picture shows us clearly that all the view will be gone
I for one enjoy this as I walk into town and can see the other islands we hold so dear.
What they have not shown is the view from opposite .Perhaps a reader would like to pop down to the sea side and see what visitors and locals coming into the island would be able to see in our ever changing skyline.
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I may be wrong
but I reckon that extra floor will be luxurious apartment with just about the finest view in Guernsey.
It will also be another sneaky way to find accommodation Lawfully -unlawfully.-
‘Keep yer eyes skinned folk don’t let it happen.
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yep it will go ahead for sure veiw going cause we can see it yet the fence that was put was put by the lady to protect her family where you had to look hard for it nope not aloud .
when will people be heard not whilst big developers or the states just carry on doing what they want its much easyer to upset the the little man an pick on them.
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Are people really complaining about the view dissapearing??? You only see it for 10 seconds while you are walking and driving down the road! Its not like they are going to build a fifty foot wall around Jerbourg point!! Its just going to be another building in town! Did people complain when they started putting up buildings when they first statrted to create town? I dont think there were many petitions when the town church first went up?
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Hey Stevo. I live there. I don’t want a “major UK retailer” to create a black blob where there used to be sea and islands, thanks for asking.
They’ll go bust soon and it will lie empty for years so what’s the point.
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The building is apparently to be developed by the same company responsible for the Market improvement …oh dear
They have a top class American giant interested in opening in Guernsey … double oh dear
The Environment department have stated that they wish to retain certain features both inside and outside of Nelson House. I believe that sort of pernicketyness held up the Market development for years .. treble oh dear
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They will allow a top class American or any other lot to open for business; yet a small kiosk type shop in the West has all sorts of arguments and wish to close it down.
It for sure the Island is run by those who don’t give a tuppenny damn about the people, but are hell bent on having their idea of a society of snobs,
If you the people don’t get rid of this present lot then it will get worse week by week, they’ll believe they can do as they wish if you do not put a stop to them now.
GET RID OF THEM NOOOOOW!!”!”
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Brett Allen, the developer, seemed remarkably pragmatic on the radio this morning; accepting the public criticism and, strangely, agreeing with the views.
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“They have a top class American giant interested in opening in Guernsey”
Oh my dear! i will be part of the exodus if they
(assuming the USA) come here.
Islander
We will have no choice but to let them in, just look around the world and see what happens to those who dont tow the line. Wars or Governments overthrown and millions killed, were doomed.
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How do you tow a line?
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Oh Here we go again…….Never mind us meer LOCALS who live here …….let’s just bend over backwards…….(and adjust planning “policies”) to suit the NON LOCAL companies!!!! Money money money that’s all that seems to matter now isn’t it? Push out all the small local businesses to make way for high flying tycoons with their big bank accounts and ability to afford the ridiculous rents. Welcome to Guernsey where domination from overseas parties are ssoooooooo important!! STOP killing OUR Island! I urge everyone to vote ONLY for those deputies like Al Bougourd or Graham Guille who have the preservation of our Island ways at heart and Kick out all the ones who are just in for the money, Especially those who have a conflict of interests. :(
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bcb.
I normally like your postings. however that defeatist attitude you subscribe to makes me sick at heart.
Not wishing to rake old coals, yet I must just say this.
If we had all done that in those devil ridden years of occupation, then there would have been nothing left to fight for.
The cheeky manner in which the English say we should be grateful grates on my memory.
Yes they did a great job and fought a gallant battle:Of which I too felt proud about.
But it was their attitude after our freedom, they did not free us- we did that. we had no help from them. they refused in parliament to help. even Churchill when told we were starving replied. “Then let the starve, we will not help the Germans.”
That from a man whom the world heralded as a great statesman
This Island government is rubbish, and should be kicked out- let Guernsey men rule with our blessing and with our Island at heart.
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Islander
Yes you are right and i was being defeatist which is not normally in my nature so i have decided to stay :).
Hope you like this post a bit better.
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bcb
Indeed. however I know perhaps I said or rather wrote strong words.
But I usually have an insight if you like. about a person.
I felt sure you had it wrong.
This then is why I like your notes.
You were man/lady enough to answer, a very rare happening. I love my Island, have lived through thick and thin,
Yet it is as no other place in God’s world- and I’ve seen a few places.
bcb Thank you.
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