‘Danger hotspot’ La Rocco plans should be rejected, says Infrastructure

Monday 13 February 2023

Government transport officials are objecting to plans to convert self-catering holiday lets at La Pulente into nearly 20 homes over concerns about road safety in the area.

In an official comment on the planning application, Infrastructure, Housing and Environment (IHE) said the proposals to convert the 24 self-catering La Rocco apartments to 19 homes would cause “further disruption and danger” following recent road traffic collisions.

The Department said if the plans were approved it would lead to an "intensification" of the single-site access from the road.

The access driveway also fell below the standards of width and visibility required for cars entering the premises, department officials said.

Three road traffic casualties have recently occurred 'in the vicinity' of La Rocco apartments, according to the letter.

It added: "The access driveway is long but just below the distance whereby passing places would be required. However, given there will be more trips, the access itself still needs to meet the current access standards requiring 74 metres of visibility both ways and a five metre wide access for at least six metres in from the highway.

"Whilst nearside visibility is likely to be achievable it is reliant on third party land, the other matters cannot be satisfied and without improvement will risk further disruption and danger to all users.

"As part of any acceptable scheme, there would be a need for a highway improvement scheme to help reduce speeds in the vicinity, including gateways on either approach and a speed limit reduction."

The application has been lodged by La Rocco Ltd 2, who claim that the changes will create "new family housing".

A report accompanying the plans stated: "The original and oldest building on site, building two, was constructed post-World War Two as a modest hotel, known as The California Hotel.

"The building has been modified and extended over the years, culminating in the general form we see today."

The report added: "These proposals look to make a positive contribution to the Island's housing stock by refurbishing holiday lets to provide new family housing."