Plan to revive La Pulente site as café and holiday let gains government backing

A planning proposal to convert a former restaurant at La Pulente into a seaside café and holiday accommodation has received support from the Department for the Economy, although a final decision is still to be made.

The site, which overlooks St Ouen's Bay in the parish of St Brelade, ceased operating as a restaurant unexpectedly in November 2023 after only a short period of trading.

Since its closure, the property has been the subject of several redevelopment proposals, including earlier plans for self-catering accommodation and café use. The latest application, submitted in March, proposes a two-bedroom holiday apartment alongside a small café.

In its response, the Department for the Economy said the scheme aligns with strong demand for visitor accommodation in Jersey, particularly self-catering options, which it described as the fastest-growing segment of the tourism market. It also argued that combining accommodation with a café would create “diversified income streams” and reduce the risk of the premises remaining empty.

Officials added that holiday accommodation in the area has declined in recent years and said the proposal could offer both economic benefits and a more sustainable use of the coastal site. They also noted that accommodation-based businesses tend to deliver higher productivity than restaurants, while a smaller café operation would be easier to manage.

However, the planning history for the site has been complex. Previous applications for self-catering accommodation were refused in both 2024 and 2025, with concerns raised about the visual and environmental impact on the surrounding landscape. An appeal was later dismissed by Environment Minister Deputy Steve Luce in October 2025.

Planning inspector Nigel McGurk previously stated that any development which “detracts from the appeal of its location cannot be considered a positive contribution”.

The current applicant’s agent, J Design Limited, has declined to comment as the decision process continues.