Les Bourgs hospice to open children's charity shop at Oatlands Village after planning covenant amended
• Les Bourgs Hospice will open a new charity shop at Oatlands Village selling children's clothes, toys and accessories following an amended planning covenant
• The Development & Planning Authority and Oatlands Village owners agreed to modify retail restrictions to allow the specialised charity shop
• The amendment supports the hospice's fundraising efforts while protecting general retail in St Peter Port and the Bridge
• Oatlands Village's planning covenant normally restricts retail to niche outlets to avoid competing with main shopping centres
• The children's items focus was suggested as a solution that meets the needs of all parties involved
Les Bourgs Hospice will open a new charity shop at Oatlands Village following an agreement to amend the site's planning covenant, allowing the sale of children's clothes, toys and accessories.
The Development & Planning Authority and the owners of Oatlands Village have modified the existing retail restrictions to accommodate the charity shop whilst maintaining protections for general retail in St Peter Port and the Bridge.
Oatlands Village was constructed as a leisure-based attraction with planning covenants that limit retail operations to niche outlets.
This restriction was designed to prevent competition with general retail shops in the main shopping centres and support high street businesses.
The amendment represents a compromise that addresses Les Bourgs Hospice's need for additional fundraising opportunities whilst preserving the retail hierarchy that prioritises the main centres for comparison shopping activities.
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the Development & Planning Authority, said: "This has been about finding the right way to support a local business and a valued charity, while not taking away from what retail has to offer in town and on the Bridge.
"Credit must go to Deputy van Katwyk who first suggested that a shop selling children's items only would meet everyone's needs. We want to be a committee that listens and works with groups like local businesses and the charitable sector to find solutions that benefit our island."
The solution to focus specifically on children's items emerged as a way to satisfy all stakeholders' requirements whilst maintaining the integrity of the planning framework.
Chris Coles, one of the Oatlands Village owners, said: "As was the case over 10 years ago when we agreed the Planning Covenant with the Director of Planning, Mr Rowles has always been open, friendly and professional in trying to find a way forward when a proposal is 'good for Guernsey'.
"We will do our utmost to make this very profitable for Les Bourgs by continuing to invest in the presentation, and range of activities for families at Oatlands."
The charity shop will provide Les Bourgs Hospice with an additional revenue stream through the sale of donated items, addressing ongoing funding challenges faced by the organisation.
Rob Jones, CEO at Les Bourgs, said: "We are incredibly grateful for the support of the owners and team at Oatlands, as well as the Planning Officers and Committee. Like all hospices, Les Bourgs faces ongoing funding challenges, and it is only through the generosity of our community, local businesses, and the States of Guernsey that we can continue to provide hospice care in the Bailiwick.
"Their support also enables us to offer a much-needed supply of good-quality, affordable children's clothing and toys.
"The kindness of those who donate, volunteer their time, support us through their businesses, or assist us through the States truly keeps us going. Thank you."
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