Sexual health charity gets green light for move

Monday 21 June 2021

A charity that gives sexual health support to thousands of young people every year in Jersey has been given permission to move into a new building – just days before the end of its current lease.

The Planning Department has now given approval for Parade-based offices to become medical premises to enable Brook’s move.

The charity has been based in Nelson Street since 1999, but had to find new premises after the building was sold meaning the lease would end in June 2021.

Established in 1995, Brook provides a free and confidential sexual health service, from providing free contraception to advice on relationships and wellbeing, and STI testing, to young islanders up to the age of 21. 

In addition, Brook also delivers personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education in secondary schools and youth services. 

Pictured: Brook had been based at Nelson Street since 1999.

Last year, Manager Sarah Le Long told Express the charity was looking for discreet new premises to guarantee confidentiality to those using the service.

Plans were submitted in May to change the use of the ground floor of 35 Lister House at The Parade from Office to ‘Medical and Welfare’ for the use of the charity. Only minor alterations were required inside.

The ground floor, which measures 151sqm, is currently unoccupied and the application did not affect the offices located on the first and second floor.

According to documents submitted to Planning at the time, the site should include three consultation rooms, a waiting area, a reception, a meeting room, toilet facilities as well as a small kitchen area.

It was mentioned that the charity would provide clinics five days a week from the premises.

The Planning Officer noted in their report that the application would have no impact on the face of the building and the level of activity would be similar to that of an office use.

"The proposal is relatively minor in scale and nature and not likely to result in any significant or unreasonable harm to the amenities of nearby users," they wrote. "The proposal is also not likely to have any detrimental impact upon the wider setting of the site or on the character of the area."

Refurbishment of the site will be partially funded by the £188,992 allocated from the Fiscal Stimulus Fund - a Government funding pot aimed at financing projects that will provide a boost to the economy.