Smith Street plan has been rejected, says man behind it

Wednesday 12th January 2011, 11:30AM GMT.

Jeweller Andy Gillson is among Smith Street business people who would welcome a big-name retailer moving into Nelson Place, the former post office which has stood empty for two years. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 1076951)

ENVIRONMENT has said plans to turn the former Town post office in a a four-storey shop will not be accepted, its developer has claimed.

Ossory Estates director Brett Allen said yesterday that he had received a letter from the department’s planning board saying it would not allow the proposed development of Nelson Place, Smith Street, to take place.

No final decision has been made on the planning application, which would see the facade retained but part of the protected building demolished.

However, Mr Allen said his architect had passed on a letter dated 6 January.

‘It said the planning board is opposed to the project due to the impact it would have on important public views,’ he said.

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View more: Development news, Planning news, Town news.

1
Terry Langlois

January 12, 2011 at 12:10 pm

I hope that all those who are so quick to criticise the ED on occasions will now step forward with equally forthright congratulations for getting this one right…

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2
Guern abroad

January 12, 2011 at 12:49 pm

This is good news.
Perhaps the interested party may now be able to work on a design that makes use of the building in the structure that it is.

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3
Wil

January 12, 2011 at 1:10 pm

I dont think its that clear cut Terry. I would er on the side of the shops who are struggling to make ends meet… but I do admit that I do not know the full story behind this decision. There are so many shops closing down and anything (obviously within reason) that would bring more business and help them out is a good thing. Hopefully they dont give up and can come up with a better and more suitable design in the near future.

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4
Mr G

January 12, 2011 at 1:16 pm

This is the first time the IDC have been right for years.

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5
Jordan

January 12, 2011 at 1:46 pm

I can’t believe that an architects firm actually put forward a serious suggestion along those lines. Thanks to the ED for doing the right thing and saving those fantastic views for all.

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6
Scarlett

January 12, 2011 at 2:24 pm

Mr Allen must be quite surprised, after all, he was allowed to wreck half the market building without a problem………

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7
Terry Langlois

January 12, 2011 at 2:36 pm

Wil – I agree that keeping the Town alive is extremely important, but if there is a business case for a new retailer to come here, I would be surprised if that business plan stops working just because there is no 4th floor to the premises. That building is pretty large already. I see this as a prevention of over-development, rather than an obstacle to the arrival of a new retailer.

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8
Ray

January 12, 2011 at 2:37 pm

Thank you Environment.Keep up the good work

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9
Valdubon

January 13, 2011 at 10:48 am

I’d rather hear this from Environment direct. It appears to have come from the developer, from his architect, purportedly from Environment. The application was in the Press only a day or so ago so the process can’t have been completed yet.

Perhaps making us think it’s already been rejected will make some of those planning to object not bother, or am I just being cynical?

As Terry Langlois says there is a compromise and if the retailer isn’t prepared to compromise then tough on them. Can’t they dig down to get another floor?

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10
Islander

January 13, 2011 at 10:55 am

Terry Langlois.
Why should anyone complement the ED?
Compliment for doing what they were elected to do, that is to serve Guernsey and to listen to the people.

If they had done their job in the 1st place there would have been no need for all this nonsense they caused.
I firmly believe they only do it to preserve their status.Well for my part they lost my trust in them ages ago.

I hope they and their likes are kicked out at next election.

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11
pyer

January 13, 2011 at 1:05 pm

Valdubon

Well put – I had been thinking the same myself

I shall be sending in my objection regardless of any claim that the proposal has been rejected

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