Ruling on al fresco bar is 'huge blow' for owner

Planning Refusal a 'Major Setback' for St Helier Restaurant Owner

A St Helier restaurateur has expressed disappointment after planning authorities retrospectively refused permission for an outdoor bar space that he says is vital to his business.

David Voisin, owner of Bar Levant, said the decision to deny formal approval for the venue’s al fresco seating area — which includes glass panels and an overhead awning — was a “huge blow” to the restaurant’s future operations.

Planning inspectors acknowledged the outdoor structure contributed positively to the area’s daytime and evening economy, but ultimately ruled that it encroached on public space and posed accessibility issues for pedestrians and wheelchair users.

Mr Voisin, speaking outside his Broad Street premises, said he hoped to work with planning officials to find a compromise.

“Closing it all down is very much a last resort,” he said.

He also questioned the decision in light of wider government ambitions to revitalise the town centre, referencing a £2.5 million investment plan for public realm upgrades in Broad Street.

“They talk about this policy of improving the area and supporting the night-time economy in St Helier — but I don’t see a lot of action,” he said.

Ownership Hurdles Delayed Application

Bar Levant’s outdoor space was installed before planning permission was granted, something Mr Voisin said was due to complex land ownership issues involving Jersey Property Holdings.

“It’s a slightly quirky area. The al fresco space used to be a taxi rank, and because that land is owned by Jersey Property Holdings, I wasn’t able to apply without their authorisation — which I couldn’t get,” he explained.

“We’d had two terrible summers and I needed to move quickly to keep the business afloat — that’s why we went ahead with it.”

Despite acknowledging the business benefits, planning inspectors concluded the proposal’s negative impact on the local character and accessibility outweighed its commercial value.

Mr Voisin maintains that the space adds vibrancy and footfall to the area and said he remains open to dialogue with authorities in hopes of retaining some form of outdoor operation.