A multi-faith community centre, Rock Sanctuary, on the site of the former St Andrew’s Church has received full planning permission at this morning’s session of the Development and Planning Commission.
An enclosed terrace to be built at Piece of Cake on Engineer’s Lane was also approved.
However two applications for extensions to two private dwellings were denied.
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The Governor’s Parade listed building dates back to the 1850s. Featuring stained glass windows and a bell tower the DPC heard that all heritage features will be kept.
Work was already underway on the external restoration but will now begin inside, with additions including a kitchenette, guest accommodation and a replacement roof.
Claire Montado of the Heritage Trust said she looked forward to the Church continuing to be part of the community.
Keeping to the Old Town – a private home on Hospital Ramp saw an application for a roof top extension denied 8 to 3.
While Heritage Minister John Cortes welcomed the proposal from an urban renewal perspective, there were concerns raised over developmental creep and precedent.
And more fears over precedent were raised in a debate over use of public land, sparked over plans to transform an open area into a private garden in the South District.
Plans show a new wall, deck and access gates.
Town Planning said the plans were contrary to Government policy to protect open space and recommended the Transport Lane site be enhanced for all to use, instead of enclosed for private use.
The ESG’s Janet Howitt said it would be ‘a sin’, explaining the green pocket was enjoyed by many, in an area that had seen significant development.
Minister John Cortes said turning the site a garden would in some way be protecting it from potential future development- an idea Ms Howitt described as ‘frightening’.
Mr Cortes explained while he would never permit construction on the site, but future Governments could change their stance.
The application was ultimately refused by a vote of 7 to 4.
Katy Docker followed proceedings.
The Governor’s Parade listed building dates back to the 1850s, featuring stained glass windows and a bell tower. The DPC heard that all heritage features will be kept. Work was already underway on the external restoration, but will now begin inside with additions including a kitchenet, guest accommodation, and a replacement roof. Claremont Montad of the Heritage Trust said she looked forward to the church continuing to be part of the community and keeping to the old town, a private home on hospital ramp, saw an application for a rooftop extension, denied 8 to three. While heritage minister John Cortez welcomed the proposal from an urban renewal perspective, there were concerns raised over developmental creep and precedent. And more fears over precedent were raised in a debate over use of public land, sparked over plans to transform an open area in the south district into a private garden. Plans show a new wall, a deck, and access gates. Town planning said the proposal was contrary to government policy to protect open space and recommended the transport lane site be enhanced for all to use instead of being enclosed for private use. The ESG’s Janet How went further and said it would be a sin, explaining the green pocket was enjoyed by many in an area that had seen significant development. Minister John Cortez said turning the site into a garden would in some way be protecting it from future development, an idea Miss Howard described as frightening. Mr. Cortez explained while he would never permit construction on the site, future governments could change their stance. The application was ultimately refused by a vote of 7 to four.
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