Dispute over St Lawrence Church intensifies
The dispute over plans to build an external extension to St Lawrence’s 12th century Parish Church has intensified.
The initial plans were rejected by the Planning Department two years ago, but then approved upon appeal, meaning a kitchen area and disabled access toilet will be added to the rear of the church.
A large number of parishioners remain concerned that the approved extension will do damage to the church.
Building works were due to commence this year but Save Jersey's Heritage, supported by a group of parishioners, are mounting an eleventh-hour challenge to the plans by submitting an alternative application.
They are asking for the Planning Minister to look at their alternative proposal, which would see the disabled access and toilet upgraded but without the need for any changes to the exterior of the building.
Their plans were delivered to the planning department yesterday with a request to Planning Minister, to allow them to be considered, even though the Rector and Connétable of St Lawrence have refused to sign the planning application.
The building dates back to the 1100s and has seen a number of modifications over the centuries.
Marcus Binney, President of Save Jersey’s Heritage and St Lawrence resident, is hoping their demands will be met by the Planning Minister, Deputy Steve Luce.