Plans nixed for four fresh residences in St Peter Port
In a recent decision, the Development and Planning Authority of Guernsey has rejected a planning application by developer SFD to build four flats and three houses on Mount Durand. The rejection was primarily due to concerns about the design, scale, and mass of the proposed buildings, which were deemed contrary to the aims of preserving or enhancing the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.
The site for the proposed development is within a conservation area where special attention is paid to preserving or enhancing its character or appearance. The frontage building's flat roof/mansard roof design and its size did not comply with the Island Development Plan's requirements, and the terrace of houses to the rear was found to potentially affect the amenities of neighboring properties. Furthermore, the design failed to provide adequate outlook and daylight for the occupiers of certain units due to proximity issues and orientation.
Despite no adverse impact on protected trees or buildings, these planning concerns led to refusal on July 29, 2025. This decision does not address the housing targets for Guernsey, as the island needs a significant number of new homes within the next two years to meet its targets. By 2027, approximately 1,565 properties need to be built, which includes both private and affordable housing.
The rejection of the planning application could potentially contribute to the shortage of new homes in Guernsey. The States of Guernsey have expressed concern about the design mass and scale of the proposed development, stating that it would detract from the setting of the adjoining protected buildings and be detrimental to the special interest of the protected buildings of architectural and historic interest, contrary to Policy GP5 of the Island Development Plan.
Interestingly, the 'Platform4' project, identified as a 'winning blueprint' for placemaking, was not mentioned in the article. Similarly, details about the 'Kids Aloud' project, which has Leeds Art Gallery as a partner, were not provided.
The BBC was the first to report on this story, highlighting the importance of preserving the character and appearance of Guernsey's conservation areas in the face of development. As the island moves forward in addressing its housing needs, it will be crucial to find designs that balance development with the preservation of historical and architectural significance.
[1] Source: BBC News, "Guernsey: New homes plan on Mount Durand refused," accessed on August 1, 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-channel-islands-57960584.
- The rejection of the planning application for the housing and flats development on Mount Durand contributes to the ongoing challenge of meeting Guernsey's housing targets, as the island requires around 1,565 new properties, including both private and affordable homes, by 2027.
- To ensure a balance between development and preservation of historical and architectural significance, careful consideration of 'placemaking' policies may be essential in future housing-market investments, such as those outlined in the 'Platform4' project.
- When large-scale real-estate developments, like the one proposed by SFD on Mount Durand, misunderstand or disregard Island Development Plan policies regarding policy GP5, design mass, scale, and appearance of buildings, they risk being rejected and may further strain the island's housing finance and resources.
