Plans for bin shelter and substation refused

Plans to build an electrical substation on a promenade on the east coast of Jersey have been refused.

The Jersey Electricity Company (JEC) had applied for the installation of the substation and a bin store at Promenade Gardens in Gorey, which caused an outcry among some residents.

The company said the current electrical supply load in the area was "at full capacity" and a new substation was "critical".

Planning authorities said the proposed buildings would have an "unacceptable visual impact" and detract from the nearby pier and castle.

Authorities said: "Due to its design, scale and siting, the proposal fails to protect the special interest and detracts from the significance of the Grade I listed Gorey Harbour and Mont Orgueil Castle, and other listed buildings along Gorey Pier.

"The application provides insufficient information to assess flood risk impacts and potential flood risk mitigation measures."

Prior to refusal, the application garnered 96 public comments.

Many respondents said they understood the need for the infrastructure but expressed concerns about the size of buildings, the heritage impact and its proximity to water.

The JEC can appeal the decision, but nothing has been submitted yet.

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