Guernsey charity seeks planning permission to convert historic watchtower toilets into visitor accommodation
- Vive La Vallette LBG has applied to convert disused public toilets at La Vallette Watchtower into unique visitor accommodation
- The charity has secured backing from States Property Services, which owns the historic site adjacent to the Gents Pool
- The conversion will require significant upgrades including improved thermal performance and full building regulation compliance
- The project aims to preserve a heritage building within a Conservation Area whilst providing accessible accommodation in St Peter Port
A Guernsey charity has submitted a planning application to transform disused public toilets at the historic Watchtower in La Vallette into what it describes as "accessible holiday accommodation unlike any other in St Peter Port."
Vive La Vallette LBG, working through planning agent Peter Warr of Turnstone Design, submitted the application.
It expressed confidence that the project will "deliver the preservation of a building with historic and aesthetic value" while providing unique accessible accommodation in St Peter Port.
The site is located adjacent to the Gents Pool and sits within multiple protected designations, including the Main Centre Outer Area, Harbour Action Area, Conservation Area, and an Area of Biodiversity.
According to the application documents, the proposed conversion aligns with several key planning policies.
The toilets "have not been in use to the public for a long time and alternative facilities are available nearby," satisfying requirements that facilities no longer needed can be changed to other uses. Another policy provides support for new visitor accommodation, while others allow scope for extensions and development.
The applicants describe the proposals as being of "minor or inconsequential nature" that will not prejudice the outcome of the Local Planning Brief.
States Property Services, which has responsibility for the property, is "supportive of the charity undertaking this project." A letter of authorisation from States Property Services was included with the application.
The application attempts to addresses a key concern raised during per-application discussions about whether the floor space would be sufficient for visitor accommodation.
The floor, walls and roof will be upgraded to meet current building standards.
The waste management plan indicates minimal waste generation, with all waste to be "fully recycled."
The charity is hoping for favourable consideration of the application to enable them to "commence fund raising for the project".
Background and history
La Vallette's transformation from a historic bathing destination to a modern community asset has evolved over more than a decade. In 2018, the States of Guernsey's Seafront Enhancement Area Steering Group invited public suggestions for six key seafront sites, prompting the formation of the not-for-profit group 'Vive La Vallette' which was subsequently announced as the preferred bidder for two La Vallette sites. By April 2019, the Vive La Vallette Group was granted a period of exclusivity to negotiate with States Property Services as part of the seafront enhancement project, hoping to conclude negotiations in time for Guernsey's hosting of the NatWest Island Games in June 2021. Planning approval came in June 2020 for plans to extend the facilities at La Vallette to offer a new kiosk, accessible changing rooms, a seating area and a community pavilion, developed by Vive La Vallette as one of the groups chosen by the States to enhance the Town seafront. The States of Guernsey committed £300,000 to the proposals, which was supplemented by corporate sponsorship, grants, and private donations. Following construction delays, the area had a soft opening over the Jubilee weekend in 2022, with the cafe opening to positive public reaction. Planning permission was granted in March 2026 for further improvements including a new public kiosk and permanent parasol on the top floor structure, designed by architects DLM to allow the upper pavilion to operate more effectively throughout the year. The latest development sees Vive La Vallette LBG now seeking to convert the disused public toilets at La Vallette into visitor accommodation.
Q&A
Q: What building is being converted and where is it located?
A: Disused public toilets at the historic Watchtower in La Vallette, adjacent to the Gents Pool in St Peter Port
Q: Who is behind the conversion project?
A: Vive La Vallette LBG, a Guernsey charity working through planning agent Peter Warr of Turnstone Design
Q: What makes this project significant from a heritage perspective?
A: The building is located within a Conservation Area and multiple protected designations, and the project aims to preserve a building with historic and aesthetic value
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