Thai al fresco dining permitted on Victoria Pier

Tuesday 07 November 2023

Outside Asian dining can come to one of Town’s historic piers after planning approved an application for the scheme.

Atan, via Mr and Mrs Blondin, sought permission to convert Round Top Stores into al fresco restaurant and storage with a portable catering unit, bar, and toilets, alongside fencing, furniture, and planters.

There will be a loss of three parking spaces at the end of the pier as a result. 

The site was identified as part of initial investigations into eastern seafront enhancement several years ago, labelled by the States as a “quick win”.

It is currently used as harbour storage for fishing equipment but can now be used as ancillary storage for the restaurant. 

There are no mains services so water will need to be brought to and from the site each day, with electricity provided through a diesel generator.

Planning said the applicants must provide details of how spilled wastewater will be managed to minimise the risk of pollution, and agreements on the type of timber cladding, seating areas, and ventilation to be used.

It also wants noise limits on the generator, with its use only permitted between 08:00 and 19:00. 

The applicants had proposed the site was used between April and September from 07:00 to 23:00.

Pictured: Deputy Charles Parkinson was Economic Development President at the time the site was highlighted as having development potential.

Three letters were received in respect of the application, focusing on safety, loss of parking spaces, pollution, loss of storage space, and further deterioration of harbour infrastructure.

In consultations Guernsey Ports noted that access to moorings or dinghy storage wouldn’t be impeded, while the parking spaces currently let to boatowners are underutilized in that area.

Planning said: “The northern arm of Victoria Pier is currently dominated by car parking which has a negative impact on the character and appearance of the area. In principle the removal of a limited number of parking spaces and the creation of an al fresco restaurant at the northern end of the pier has the potential to increase the vitality and vibrancy of the area and to enhance the character and appearance of the area.

“Considering the total number of public parking spaces on Victoria Pier, the loss of three public parking spaces is likely to have a negligible impact on the overall public parking provision in the area. The existing turning area will be maintained and the proposal is unlikely to have any significant adverse effects on road safety and traffic management."

Permission was given in 2021 to install a metal ormer statue at the end of the pier for a different applicant.