Select a region
Designs to turn a bunker into a unique one-bedroom property have been submitted to the Planning Service.
Bridge Developments Limited wants to extend and convert a WWII bunker - situated in a field off Route de Jerbourg - into a property with parking and a garden.
Architectural Technician Sam Peek from A7 Design Limited has written to Planning in a letter accompanying the application.
"At present the WWII Ammunition Store, being a relic of the WWII occupation, is obviously empty and no longer in use for the purpose in which it was originally constructed for, to accommodate wartime munitions," said Mr Peek.
"The conversion of this structure, without the loss of a generously sized agricultural area for farming, demonstrates that the most effective and efficient use of land within this locality, will be achieved."
Pictured: The architects say they will retain the "largely subterranean" appearance of the bunker.
Mr Peek argues that the final design, if approved, will not be at odds visually with the surrounding area.
"By retaining the largely subterranean appearance of this structure and using natural materials will ensure the character of the existing built form and landscape is respected, allowing this development to blend in harmoniously with its surroundings."
Mr Peek stated that the accompanying drawings "represent a good standard of architectural design" using "natural materials that are coherent with the original WWII structure."
Pictured: A rear view of the munitions store bunker in its current form.
The internal floor area could be extended by around 12%, however this is "not fundamental" if Planning deem it unsuitable, as it has been included in order to provide a secondary living area.
Another potential concern the developers and architects have sought to address is that of using up agricultural land for domestic purposes.
Mr Peek says that the impact of this will be "minimal".
"This site is not located within an agricultural priority area under the IDP, and these proposals would still retain 92.25% of the land for agricultural use accessed via a dedicated field access gate and a portion of shared driveway."
Pictured: The proposed interiors for the one-bed property.
The overall site area at present equates to 17,427.72 m2 (4.3 acres).
Should these proposals find favour with the Authority, the agricultural land would be reduced to 16,077m2 (3.97 acres) with the difference being used towards a garden.
T&G Structural Engineers was instructed to survey the site ahead of the planning application.
"The existing building is of reinforced concrete and although it will need some alterations to meet current Building Regulations, we see only minor alterations to the structure being necessary," said the company.
Pictured: The German Bunker is located in a field just off the main Jerbourg Road.
"The original roof is constructed of steel plates with reinforced concrete over; little change apart from thermal upgrading appears necessary. The roof has been surveyed at 1500 mm thick.
"The bunker walls are also massive between 1000 and 1200 mm and constructed of reinforced concrete. The minor opening for windows will not affect the structural integrity.
"The current ground floor is of reinforced concrete construction; a damp-proof course and insulation is all that will be required to satisfy the Building Regulations.
Pictured top: Visuals for the proposed conversion by A7 Design Limited.
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.