Application made to convert WWII bunker into a house

Tuesday 12 June 2018

A full planning application has been submitted asking for permission to convert a WWII bunker into a dwelling.

The bunker situated along Route de Rocquaine is 53 metres square and is one of dozens of similar structures that are situated around the island and were built by the Germans for various uses.

This particular bunker used to be a WWII personnel shelter which would have housed around 12 crewmen in its time. The full application makes reference to the possible conversion of the bunker to a dwelling with one bedroom and utilising 'sun tubes' through the existing concrete to create more natural daylight in the property without greatly affecting the structure or outside appearance of it. 

Pictured: Artist impression on how the conversion may look 

The bunker is one of three within close proximity on the West coast and is on the inland side of the main Rocquaine road, it is privately owned and the application has been made in the name of 'Bridge Developments Limited.'

Pictured: The roadside view of the bunker covered in foliage

Pictured: The inland view of the bunker

The application also asks for the change of use of a small section of agricultural land to create a domestic curtilage for the proposed conversion, giving it an access drive and small garden.

A report accompanying the application which outlines the condition of the bunker states: "The Bunker is a German bunker constructed of reinforced concrete and steel plated roof and would have been built in the 1940's during the occupation. The walls and roof are in excess of 1000mm thick and in some cases 2000+mm thick."

The planning application states that the conversion would be done sympathetically so as not to affect the surrounding area, stating it would: "Respect the character of the local built environment by ensuring there are no changes to the North, South and West facing facades of the building."

This will mean the actual property will not be visible from the roadside and will remain as the photograph above illustrates.

Planning applications take around eight weeks for a decision.

Pictured main image: The bunker marked on an arial photo