Lower and smaller blocks at South Hill planned after initial rejection

Thursday 20 October 2022

The taxpayer-owned Jersey Development Company has returned with proposals for lower blocks with fewer units of accommodation at South Hill after its initial plan to replace the former Planning office was rejected.

Originally, the Government’s own developer planned to build 153 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with the highest building at the back being eight storeys.

However, this first attempt was rejected by the Planning Committee, who criticised the fact that the tops of the buildings would rise above the level of the escarpment. 

Now JDC have come back from the drawing board, reducing the storeys from eight to six, another block from six to five, and the number of flats from 153 to 145.

Despite the eight-unit reduction, JDC say the new plans will still “optimise the development yield on this Brownfield site to deliver an architecturally ambitious and environmentally conscious development.”

In a statement, the company said: “The reduced heights allow the buildings to nestle within the landscape of the hillside ensuring a more sensitive approach to this prominent location.

“Although the size of the buildings has been scaled back, JDC’s commitment to create a truly welcoming and liveable new community remain unchanged. 

Pictured: The original plans were rejected for being too high, especially at the back of the development.

“The proposed 145 new homes would be some of the most sustainable, low-energy in-use homes in Jersey, designed to Passivhaus principles and helping residents to reduce their energy costs. Planted balconies, green roofs and gardens would maximise residents’ connection to nature.

“The existing Listed Building on the site would be retained and refurbished to create a gym or wellness studio, creating a space for residents to socialise and exercise.”

15% of the apartments – so 22 – will be deemed ‘affordable’ and sold as part of a first-time buyer shared-equity scheme.

Last November, the last States Assembly rejected an attempted by Deputy Sam Mezec to raise this to 50% and then 30%.

Islanders can see the updated development plans at a public drop-in event being held in St Helier Town Hall Assembly Room on Tuesday 1 November between 10:00 and 16:00. 

JDC’s proposals include the re-design and refurbishment of the next-door children’s play park.

The company are currently overseeing the building of the Horizon apartments on the Waterfront, the latest office block in the International Finance Centre, and preparing for a public inquiry, which will assess its plans to build 1,001 flats on the Waterfront, as well as public amenities, new gardens and water features.