Nude Dunes site: Another bid for tourists accommodation

Fresh Appeal Launched for Tourist Accommodation at Former Nude Dunes Site

A fresh bid to overturn the rejection of plans to convert part of the former Nude Dunes restaurant at La Pulente into tourist accommodation has been heard by an independent planning inspector this week.

Nude Food Dunes Ltd is challenging the Planning Committee’s unanimous decision last December, which blocked proposals to transform the site into a two-bedroom self-catering holiday rental with an attached café.

A separate, revised application for a smaller beach café with enclosed seating and a single tourist accommodation unit has since been submitted. However, during an appeal hearing at International House, arguments were made that the original, more ambitious proposal—which previously sparked significant public opposition—should still be considered.

A Sustainable Use of the Site?

Site owner Nadia Miller defended the plan, emphasising that the property had been vacant for more than a year and insisting the proposal provided a “sustainable” and “viable” way to repurpose the building.

In a supporting statement, Island Planning Consultancy described the application as a positive opportunity to benefit both the local economy and community.

“The introduction of a self-catering unit enhances the appeal of this unique coastal location, making the site a showcase for Jersey’s natural beauty,” the document stated.

It further argued that rejecting the proposal would be a missed opportunity to make use of an existing building in a way that aligns with sustainability and economic benefits.

Public Opposition and Past Controversy

Despite the argument for revitalizing the site, opposition remains strong. The original application received 114 objections and just seven letters of support, with concerns raised about increasing commercial development in Jersey’s coastal park and the potential “privatisation” of a space previously enjoyed by the public.

The project has also faced political pushback. Five months before the committee’s rejection, Deputy Montfort Tadier of St Brelade organized a protest at the site, drawing hundreds of participants who voiced concerns over creeping development and restricted public access.

Adding to the criticism is Karl Sutton, the former owner of The Hideout café, which operated on the slipway for seven years before closing due to the opening of Nude Dunes. Sutton contends that the site remains viable as a restaurant without needing conversion into holiday accommodation.

“The kitchen is large enough to support a successful venue, as proven by other local businesses operating in smaller spaces,” he said. He also warned that approving the application could set a troubling precedent, potentially allowing other beachfront businesses to justify adding tourist lodgings as a financial cushion.

“If this is passed, it essentially tells businesses, ‘If your numbers don’t work, we’ll help you make them work,’” he argued.

The former Nude Dunes site, which began as a converted toilet block controversially sold by the parish for £100,000, had been put on the market for £3.5 million before dropping to £2.2 million. However, Ms. Miller has stated that, for legal reasons, she is unable to negotiate the asking price.

Nude Dunes itself was short-lived, going out of business in November 2023, just months after opening.

A decision on the appeal is now pending.