Third time's the charm at Havre des Pas?

Friday 23 August 2019

Developers are hoping to strike the right 'vibe' with Planning, after submitting proposals to demolish a once-popular restaurant and guest house to make way for a five-storey apartment block for the third time.

Mevanna Prestige Limited's previous plans for the Caribbean Vibz premises at Havre des Pas were first pulled amid neighbour concerns, and then rejected by the Planning Committee due to fears it would be harmful to nearby residents.

If approved, the latest proposals would see the restaurant - previously known as Nelson’s Eye - as well as the Drifters Beach Bar and Café, and Maison Chaussey Guest House make way for 17 flats.

The original plans, as well as the second version of the proposals, were for 20 flats - 19 one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat.

Pictured: The first version of the proposed development. (Axis Mason)

The first planning application, submitted in January 2018, was withdrawn a few months later amid concerns from neighbours that it would drive away visitors, lead to increased traffic, and make the area "soulless". 

Many local residents commented that the development would be detrimental to the promenade, with more than 25 of them writing to the Planning Department to make their objections known.

Most were strongly opposed to the loss of the restaurant and café, which they said adds "vibrancy" to what was described as a unique part of the island.

Taking into account the various public representations received, which included a letter from the National Trust and the owners of the neighbouring Marina Metro Hotel, Mevanna presented updated plans, with a ground floor café and an al-fresco area open to the public, in lieu of a private gym and pool, and a cut back fourth floor. 

Pictured: A comparison of the three different proposals. (Axis Mason)

However, those changes were not enough to gain the approval of neighbours or of the Planning Committee, which eventually rejected the plans.

While St. Lawrence Constable Deirdre Mezbourian supported the proposals "based on the regeneration of an area that I believe is long overdue", St. Saviour Deputy Jeremy Maçon and St. Brelade Deputy Graham Truscott said that the impact of the building on neighbours was not reasonable and "too much to bear". 

Mevanna, with the help of architects Axis Mason, have now prepared a third version of their plans. 

Pictured: A before / after preview of what the area could look like if the proposals are adopted. (Axis Mason)

In the new planning application, the number of flats has been scaled down to 17, with 10 one-bedroom units, and seven two-bedroom ones, with a total of 15 parking spaces.

To address the “unreasonable impact” on the Marina Metro Hotel, the mezzanine levels on the fifth floor have been scrapped to reduce the overall height and size of the building. The north eastern corner of the building has been cut back in line with the hotel to maintain the existing natural light and views from the hotel. 

In addition, balconies have been removed on the same corner to maintain the hotel guests’ privacy.

Pictured: The mezzanine levels on the fifth floor have been scrapped to avoid an "unreasonable impact" on the Marina Metro.

As per the previous plans, a mixture of copper cladding, face brick, concrete and lime stone cladding will be used on the facade, as well as zinc and lime stone cladding coupled with bronze and white render.