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A local cider-maker has thanked islanders for their support after receiving the go-ahead for her seasonal restaurant to reopen following a period of closure due to a neighbourly complaint.
La Robeline’s restaurant will be opening its doors once again this weekend, having been unable to trade so far this summer while a planning appeal was being dealt with.
Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf, who went against the recommendation of independent planning inspector Sue Bell, held a hearing into the issue at the start of June.
In her report to the minister, Ms Bell said the appeal against planning permission should be upheld as a result of issues relating to traffic and site access, and because some elements of the application were inconsistent with the Island Plan.
But Deputy Renouf said that the restricted and seasonal nature of the restaurant, operating three nights per week from April to September, was complementary to the existing operations of La Robeline, which include making cider and sausages, and represented a diversification of Jersey's rural economy.
“A reasoned judgement must be made,” he stated, “as to whether the wider benefits of a proposal, especially in terms of sustainability, promoting innovation within the rural economy and enhancing what is special about the Island, outweigh policy conflicts.”
Pictured: La Petite Robeline is at the end of a small lane overlooking Mont Pinel in St. Ouen.
Planning permission includes a number of conditions, including that La Robeline produces a traffic and site access plan within nine months, as well as a business plan. Conditions relating to foul water and sewage, closing times, and music – which is not permitted – are also spelled out.
Sarah Matlock, who operates the business with her husband Richard, said the couple had been pleased to receive news from the government. She had previously shared concerns that the delay in securing a result was "crippling" her business.
She said: “We are very relieved that this seems to be the end of it, but also frustrated that it has taken so long and that we've had to close while waiting for the decision.”
Mrs Matlock said that she was awaiting confirmation regarding some final procedural details, but was be aiming to open this weekend.
“We've had a great deal of support from customers during this process and a lot of people who want to book in and join us as soon as we get over the last couple of hurdles,” she said.
A park and ride scheme will be in operation as a result of restrictions on car parking on the site at Rue des Bonnes Femmes, with customers transported to the site from Les Laveurs car park opposite Jersey Pearl.
Mrs Matlock and her husband recently starred in a Channel 5 series narrated by Alan Titchmarsh.
Entitled 'Jersey and Guernsey', the docuseries aimed to capture the essence of life in the Channel Islands through some of their characters. The first episode attracted more than one million viewers, and Visit Jersey credited it with a 42% increase in holiday bookings.
Documents relating to the planning appeal decision, which were published by Government this week, can be viewed here.
Long wait for planning decision "crippling" cider-making business
Inspector hears planning appeal over La Petite Robeline restaurant
Cider maker asks again to open restaurant
Planning rejection throws doubt on future of cider and sausage maker
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