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Proposals to demolish La Tour Hotel in Jersey and replace it with five houses have been rejected – for now.
At a hearing this morning the scheme for the St Aubin hotel was put on hold.
But Planning Minister, Senator Freddie Cohen, says development on the site “is still likely to happen”.
Like a number of hotels in Jersey, La Tour is struggling – and failing – to make ends meet.
Until a few years ago the hotel was a listed building, but a period of decline has seen it lose that status. In 2005 the hotel turned over a healthy £950,000, but last year the figures hit just £300,000, meaning it ran at a huge loss.
The developer Harry Lingard wants to build five four-bedroom houses on the site to replace the hotel, but his plans have been met with concerns.
Margaret Holland, of the St Aubin Residents’ Association, said: “We are concerned about the construction period, about the damage to our road and the effect on our lives living here.
“If our high street has to be closed for long periods, then it really will have a detrimental effect on the businesses and the people living here.”
They are also worried about the proposed development being built closer to the road, being too high, and imposing on neighbours.
A lack of car parking is a stumbling block to the plan too.
But the architect involved is quietly confident they will get the result they want sooner rather than later.
Huw Thomas said: “They said they would like to see the Tower back, which I totally agree with and perception of height altered somewhat and things like that. I will certainly take them all on board and do my best to make everybody happy, though also in my game, you’ll never make everybody happy.”
But the important thing is he makes the right people happy – those who could influence this plan being passed.
Further developments are expected in two weeks, when an amended proposal is likely to be put forward.