Select a region
Grow Limited has submitted a second planning application to replace existing greenhouses, consolidate crew facilities into one building and enhance the existing sales process for the site’s produce.
The local charity, which offers work opportunities for people with learning disabilities, has submitted a revised application for its transformation plans.
According to the cover letter, the proposals are "principally enhancements of an existing facility", and would provide a more suitable work environment for disabled islanders.
The greenhouses would be replaced and a sales point would be established inside the greenhouses so crew members can receive retail training. The new headquarters would also include a cafeteria to facilitate Grow’s hospitality training programme. Other third sector groups may also be able to make use of the new meeting room.
Plans include creating a "more formal" parking area, with a dedicated drop-off space and access to public transport to ensure it is safe and accessible for crew members.
Pictured: The Grow Limited workshop has submitted plans to consolidate its crew headquarters.
The rules of the Island Development Plan encourage businesses on the island to be focused in St Peter Port, the Bridge, or local centres such as L’islet or St. Martin’s.
However, as the cover letter notes, the primary objective of the Grow site in St Sampson's is to provide careers training for disabled islanders.
“There is no other facility within Local or Main Centres that provides this,” wrote Emma Carter of Grey Bear Chartered Architect. “In consequence we believe the proposals cannot undermine the vitality of the local centres as it is delivering a unique facility for training disabled islanders.”
Edward Higgins, Manager at Grow, is eager to see how the new quarters improve the charities' services.
"It's good to see progress after we were successful in applying for a Certificate of Lawful Use," he said. "This project promises to be pivotal in providing an inclusive training centre for people in the disability sector, allowing them time and a secure environment to learn life skills and encounter training opportunities that can help them find employment.
"There has been a very positive response from the public who visit our crew and are very excited about the prospect!"
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.