Residents win bid to stop 300 homes being built at Gas Place

Gas place

Islanders have won an appeal against controversial plans to build nearly 300 homes at Gas Place.

Senator Sir Philip Bailhache has announced his decision to deny the proposals after an appeal was lodged by nearby residents.

Developers wanted to build the houses as well as 10 shops and parking spaces at the top of the Town Park.

Senator Bailhache said he hasn't approved the plans because there were no plans to widen the 'narrow pavement' alongside Tunnell Street.

He also added that the plans wouldn't 'enhance the urban landscape' or 'integrate into surroundings'.

The decision has been long awaited - below shows how we got here:

  • July 2012 - Fire at gas holder at Gas Place. Following that the gas holder is decommissioned and gas is held at La Collette instead.

  • July 2014 - Jersey Gas unveil plans for developing the site. They include 285 one, two and three-bedroom homes, 10 shops, and semi-basement parking.

  • September 2014 - a decision on the plans were deferred by then Planning Minister Deputy Rob Duhamel.

  • January 2015 - A petition is made to the States asking them to stop any development there. It is rejected by States members, 24 against, 15 for and 6 abstentions.

  • Early 2015 - A group of Tunnell Street residents submit an appeal against the development.

  • Feb 2015 - The now Planning Minister Steve Luce offers Jersey Gas the chance to amend scheme. They then resubmit the plans with some slight changes.

  • March 2015 - The plans are approved by Deputy Steve Luce. He says he has secured some alterations to the site, including that some buildings are reduced in height and set back a little from Tunnel Street. Planning permissions also includes the obligations to contribute to a cycle link to Belmont Road, a bus shelter and 30 public parking spaces on the site.

  • April 2015 - Senator Sir Philip Bailhache makes a decision on the appeal based on an independent report from a UK Inspector. He does so as Deputy Steve Luce cannot make an appeal decision based on a development he has already ruled on.