Minister blocks restaurant development plans

Plans to convert a former seaside restaurant into self-catering accommodation have once again been rejected.

Jersey’s Environment Minister, Deputy Steve Luce, dismissed an appeal against the refusal of updated proposals for the former Nude Food Dunes site at St Ouen’s Bay. The building has remained unused since the restaurant closed in late 2023.

Initial plans to redevelop the property into self-catering holiday accommodation were turned down last year, with revised designs also refused earlier this year due to concerns about their impact on the surrounding landscape.

In his report, independent planning inspector Nigel McGurk said any development that “detracts from the appeal of its location cannot be considered a positive contribution.”

He added there was a “clear” demand for the site to continue serving a catering purpose, noting that replacing the restaurant with holiday accommodation would “represent a change of use away from a daytime and evening economy use.”

The latest proposal included a two-bedroom holiday home with an enclosed terrace for café seating, as well as plans to reopen nearby public toilets.

The applicant argued the scheme would boost tourism, create income, and benefit the local community through the café and toilet facilities.

However, Deputy Luce concluded that the plans would cause “significant harm” to the character of the Coastal National Park.

J Design Limited, acting as the applicant’s agent, has been contacted for comment.