Where there’s a will, there’s a Ouaisne: controversial cottage approved

Friday 06 July 2018

A controversial planning application to build a home neighbouring one of the island's best-loved coastal pubs has been approved amid vocal opposition.

The application was to demolish La Cotte, a small bungalow beside the The Old Smuggler's Inn, and create a four-bedroom home on La Mont du Ouaisne.

The move to redevelop the area fiercely divided locals over the past decade, with nearly 100 residents signing a petition back in 2008 against redeveloping the site. But the plans were actually already approved and the cottage already demolished - yesterday's hearing involved the Planning Committee looking at an updated proposal, which sought to remedy locals' concerns.

Chaired by Deputy Russell Labey and consisting of Deputies Jeremy Maçon and Graham Truscott and Constable Deidre Mezbourian, the Panel unanimously approved the new designs for the site, which were opposed by Jersey’s National Trust. 

Pictured: The site of the controversial La Cotte Cottage redevelopment site (Dualchas Architects).

This development has been in the works for many years as permission was granted to demolish and redevelop the original building, a bungalow, in March 2010 and demolition took place in 2015.

An application was brought and approved in October 2016 laying out the plans for the site’s redevelopment, which attracted much criticism from neighbours and other members of the public. 

The owner, Bob McLachlan, now has planning permission for a completely different design which will take up 47% less floorspace, a choice which he hoped would “satisfy the anger that was generated with the previous proposal”. 

Pictured: Comparison of previously approved design (bottom) and the revised design (top) which got planning approval yesterday (Dualchas Architects).

Speaking at yesterday’s planning meeting, Mr McLachlan spoke in favour of the new designs which he argued “blends with the environment” and poses “even less” of an issue regarding loss of light for the surrounding properties than the approved design. 

Fierce opposition to the site’s development over the years came from the proprietor of the Smugglers’ Inn, Ken Jenkins and the pub’s manager, Andrew Walker, who also lives above the family restaurant and bar.

Speaking against the application at the Planning meeting, Mr Jenkins raised several points, including the danger of reduced visibility because of the wall surrounding the property, the height of the roof being equal to that of the pub’s, the inclusion of a plunge pool in the designs as well as his concerns for the at risk wildlife in the area being disturbed or even harmed. Mr Jenkins told the Committee: “I do not believe this is a neighbourly design."

The sensitivity of this debate was clear when Mr McLachlan alleged in front of the Committee that Mr Jenkins had refused to discuss the matter with him, “except for barring me at the pub”, to which Mr Jenkins replied, “that is not true”.

Pictured: The site in question is directly opposite the popular pub and restaurant, The Old Smugglers' Inn.

Giving her determination on the revised application, Constable Mezbourian said: “When I saw the application which has approval now, I was horrified that that had been approved. 

“Comparing that to what has been proposed now, I think, it’s a scheme that will have far less impact on that small corner than what has been approved and what we know will be developed should this be refused.”

Pictured: The revised design for La Cotte Cottage (Dualchas Architects).

Reacting to the news that planning permission had been granted unanimously, Mr Jenkins said: “It wasn’t really the result we were hoping for. In some ways, I see what the Committee was saying, it is better from certain aspects, but it falls a long way short of what that site really requires. 

“Our intentions all along have been really to protect the area and to protect public safety and for me, as the owner of the Smugglers’ is to protect Andy and his family. This is a barnacle which future generations are going to have to endure.”

Mr McLachlan told Express: “It’s beyond belief – they would have objected to anything. All I’ve tried to do is to protect the surrounding environment and I think it’s going to be a benefit to the area.”