Strong reaction to surprise 'tower block' plan for the Bridge
Wed 03 Sep 2025
"I think anyone looking at the mock-up prepared by the Guernsey Press (above) on its front page today will be surprised by the sheer size and scale of the plans and we have already had many comments to the effect that it's completely out of character for the area," said Richard Leale.
"We note that the developer says it's not a tower block and justifies that by saying it would be much shorter than the 57 metre power station chimney but it is clear from the planning application itself that the flats would dominate the Bridge skyline."
Mr Leale said the douzaine tended to avoid getting drawn into individual planning applications but the reaction he had already received to the plans from new developer Island Land had been so immediate and so negative that he believed the douzaine would want to make a formal response to planners.
Research
"We are carrying out some research of our own into the proposals and assessing the views of individual douzeniers before reaching any conclusions," said Mr Leale, "but it is clear to me that parishioners will expect us to express a view on their behalf."
He said that a further statement would be made in due course but in the meanwhile he urged parishioners to have a look at the plans themselves – they're available on the live planning application site here Application Number: OP/2025/1350 – and express their own views directly.
If approved, the block would contain 12 flats and the Guernsey Press reported that the application was signed by architect and former Vale douzenier Ollie Brock, whom it said had become known for his ambitious designs.
In its design statement, Island Land says: "This application seeks outline approval to redevelop an existing 250m2 two-storey former industrial/office building on Bridge Avenue with a new eight-storey residential building containing 12 apartments. The proposal retains the current footprint and maximises efficient use of brownfield land to deliver much-needed housing at a time of acute housing pressure."