Residents to fight care home site sale to Dandara

Tuesday 28 March 2017

Plans to sell a former care home site to Dandara are facing strong opposition from some local residents, who say that a new build could cause traffic issues and bring down the value of homes in the area.

Parishioners are being invited to approve the sale of the former Maison de Ville residential home site in St Helier to Dandara for £1.87million. The documents show that previous plans for the site, which aren't going ahead, have already cost the Parish close to £400,000.

Under the plans, Dandara would also agree to pay a further £55,000 to refurbish the road to the south of the former home, which would be named ‘Freeley Lane’ as tribute to the late Procureur du Bien Public Patrick Freeley.

But neighbouring residents have expressed strong concerns over what might replace the existing block – especially as they say haven’t been shown plans for the potential development.

Maison de Ville, which is located behind the former Jersey College for Girls building, was closed in 2014 following significant financial problems. It was hoped that the 50-bedroom facility could be redeveloped into 28 care apartments and a 60-place day nursery, which would have helped accommodate some of the children affected by the Avranches Day Nursery closure, but the £11 million project was refused.

The Parish incurred costs of nearly £400,000 following the unsuccessful planning process, with architectural consultation alone costing a quarter of a million. 

Pictured: The costs of the previous planning process, as cited in the Parish projet.

Supported by the Constable, Procureurs du Bien Public and Roads Committee, the Parish of St Helier is now keen to hand the project to Dandara, who they say have offered the highest amount for the site.

But nearby residents have raised concerns over a “lack of transparency” as to the final outcome.

They fear that it will become a block of unsightly flats that may produce too much traffic in the area.

Moreover, they told Express that they were concerned that a commercial development might break existing historical covenants on the land which the residents say stipulate it must be used for the care of the elderly.

Mrs Anne Pasturel, who lives opposite the building, said that she feared a “mostly concrete” development would bring down the value of her home. 

Pictured: A map of the proposed area of development, including the site of what would be new road, 'Freeley Lane'.

“It’s not fair… My husband and I have worked hard for our home,” she said.

She added that she and other residents of the area were “disappointed” that the Parish refused to share information on other bidders, as it was “commercially sensitive”, and had strong concerns that, “...there’s still no traffic plan."

Supported by Mrs Pasturel, Val Payne of the Early Years Association, who also lives in the area, commented: “In the absence of a nursery, I would like to see a nice green park – something that benefits the whole community.”

The Dandara sale proposition will go to a Parish Assmebly vote at the Parish Hall tomorrow at 19:00.

Express asked the Parish for a comment, but is yet to receive a response.