Politicians give thumbs down to yurt glamping plan

Friday 18 November 2022

Politicians have given the thumbs down to proposals to build a tourist 'glamping' site of five yurts over concerns they may set a "dangerous precedent" in St. Ouen.

The Planning Committee unanimously rejected the scheme at a hearing on Thursday, although each member commended the environmentally-focused idea and said they would support the business if it were to find another suitable location to operate from.

The move followed the advice of Planning Officers, who had taken into consideration concerns of nearby residents about potential noise and "alcohol-fuelled parties".

Jersey Organic Yurts had submitted the plans earlier this year, which involved building the all-encompassing "organic" accommodation, while providing visitors with the opportunity to undertake activities such as yoga and bird watching.

If approved, the yurts, which are made from natural materials, would have been built in field O1585 which is located east of Chemin du Moulin and north-west of Mont Mattieu in St. Ouen's Bay and would have operated from April to September.

Speaking during Thursday's hearing, St. Clement Constable Marcus Troy said: "I like the idea but it is in the wrong place. If passed, it would create a dangerous precedent and huge competition for you. If passed, you would have people applying for similar things just fields away."

Pictured: Location of the proposed development site at Field 01585, St. Ouen (coloured deep purple).

He added: "If you could find another appropriate location, I would support you."

As part of the application, the business said that it required a number of trailers to provide ancillary services alongside the yurts, such as access to a shower and toilet.
However, Planning Committee chair Deputy Steve Luce felt they created a "problem".

"The yurts themselves are fine and I am confident they could blend into the surroundings. Your ethos fits into the Coastal National Park, but it is those trailers that concern me the most.

"More could be done to try and disguise them," he said.

The application on the government's Planning website received 48 public comments, 24 in favour and 24 against.

Speaking against the proposals during the hearing, nearby resident Neil Whitehead said: "I think a line of portacabins situated in St. Ouen's Bay will turn the field into an ugly one."

He added that the issue of parking had not been thought through.

However, Corinne Davey, General Manager of the company which provides rustic-style tents for weddings and other events, argued that the yurts would "not stick out".

"The ones we are proposing are more natural in colour and blend into the environment," she said.

"We are confident that we can adapt to any suggestions in order to allow the project to go ahead," she added.

Planning Committee chair Deputy Steve Luce, St. Clement Constable Marcus Troy, St. Saviour Constable Kevin Lewis, St. Helier North Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, St. Clement Deputy Alex Curtis and St. John, St. Lawrence and Trinity Deputy Andy Howell all voted against the plans.