Parishioners asked to back elderly housing plans

Tuesday 13 February 2024

St Ouen parishioners will this week be asked to approve buying a property for £950,000 to demolish it and turn it into housing for the elderly.

Constable Richard Honeycombe said that High Marsh House on La Route de Vinchelez could be used to provide eight one-bedroom units, should parishioners vote in favour of the move to expand the parish's 'Homes for the Elderly' provision.

He explained that St Ouen already had around 40 self-contained homes for the elderly, but that there was still a waiting list with at least 70 people on it.

"There is certainly a market for [that type of housing]," he continued.

"The parish was left a sum of money some years ago by two parishioners for the extension of elderly homes in the parish."

Constable Richard Honeycombe said St Ouen "certainly" had a need to provide housing for the elderly.

Mr Honeycombe also noted that the parish's ability to develop on fields rezoned under a previous Island Plan was being hindered by the need for investment in the island's drainage network.

So what will parishioners need to decide?

The assembly will be held in St Ouen’s Parish Hall on Wednesday at 19:00.

Parishioners will be asked to consider making an "unconditional" offer of £950,000 to purchase the property.

Should this be approved, parishioners will then be asked to authorise the Constable and Procurers du Bien Public to:

• Enter into the necessary negotiations and represent the Parish in the passing of the contracts before the Royal Court, and;

• Seek planning permission to demolish the buildings in order to construct "suitable accommodation to extend the Homes for the Elderly".

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