Outline planning permission for residential development at The Mallard Complex and adjoining land has been unanimously approved by the Development & Planning Authority with conditions following an Open Planning Meeting.
This provides the developer with outline permission to develop 85 units of affordable and private housing, comprising 34 dwellings and 51 flats.
As this application was for outline planning permission, the layout plan submitted and approved is only indicative, apart from the means of access. Before any development can start, the applicant will need to submit a detailed planning application for approval by the Development & Planning Authority (DPA), which will include the opportunity for further public consultation.
The DPA agreed to amend one of the conditions of the approval to specifically reference the need for solar panels. The DPA also agreed that the developer must consult with relevant environmental group(s) regarding the inclusion of native planting schemes and introduced a condition to provide an additional layer of protection to a section of trees. Nine representors chose to speak publicly at the meeting.
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the DPA, said: “I’m very grateful to everyone who made representations on this application, particularly those who spoke at the open planning meeting.
“The fact of the matter is that we need more affordable housing. No application is going to be without its drawbacks, so we have to be pragmatic. This development could deliver 69 units of Affordable Housing. There aren’t any other comparable sites that could do this in the immediate future.
“With outline permission in place, we expect to see the applicant move this to the next step at pace now.”
Lovell Ozanne Architects and Infinity Group have welcomed the approval. Director, Andrew Merrett, from Lovell Ozanne said: “This project gives us the chance to design not just homes, but a future where more islanders have the security and stability they deserve. The Mallard development represents one of the most meaningful contributions to Guernsey’s housing landscape in a generation, and we are proud to help deliver it.”
Managing director, Paul Nobes (pictured), at Infinity Construction, added: “Today’s approval marks the moment we move from ambition to action. With 69 affordable homes coming forward, this development will provide real hope for local families who currently have limited choices. Our team is ready to deliver these homes as quickly as possible.”
