Housing development at The Mallard on track to begin early next year
- The Development & Planning Authority has approved outline planning permission for a residential development at The Mallard Complex.
- This includes 85 housing units: 34 dwellings and 51 flats.
- A detailed planning application must be submitted before development can begin, expected early 2026, allowing for public consultation.
- The DPA has specified conditions, including solar panel installation and consultation with environmental groups on native planting.
The Development & Planning Authority has granted outline planning permission for a residential development at The Mallard Complex and an adjacent field.
Politicians on the DPA reached a unanimous decision at an Open Planning Meeting after the project got backing from its staff.
The approved plans outline the development of 85 housing units, comprising 34 dwellings and 51 flats.
Since the approval is for outline planning permission, the layout plan submitted is indicative only, except for access.
The developer must provide a detailed planning application for further approval before commencing construction. This detailed application will include provisions for public consultation.
The DPA amended one of the conditions of approval to stipulate the inclusion of solar panels.
Additionally, the authority mandated that the developer consult with relevant environmental groups regarding native planting schemes and added a condition to enhance the protection of a section of trees on the site.
Nine people spoke at the meeting regarding the proposal.
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the DPA, said: “I’m very grateful to everyone who made representations on this application, particularly those who spoke at the open planning meeting.”
Deputy Inder highlighted the pressing need for affordable housing, noting, “The fact of the matter is that we need more affordable housing. No application is going to be without its drawbacks, so we have to be pragmatic.”
He pointed out that this development could potentially provide 69 units of affordable housing, stating, “There aren’t any other comparable sites that could do this in the immediate future.”
He concluded by expressing hope that the applicant would progress to the next stage swiftly.
According to the Planning Officer’s report, there is a need for 673 affordable homes between 2024 and 2028.
Only 72 have been built since 2020.
“Today’s approval marks the moment we move from ambition to action,” said Paul Nobes, managing director of Infinity Construction.
“With 69 affordable homes coming forward, this development will provide real hope for local families who currently have limited choices.”
Andrew Merrett, director of Lovell Ozanne, emphasised the project's potential: “The Mallard development represents one of the most meaningful contributions to Guernsey’s housing landscape in a generation, and we are proud to help deliver it.”
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