Guernsey Property and Construction / Issue 10 by Rock and Small

Summer 2022

Issue 10

G UERNS EY

PROP E R T Y A ND CONSTRU C TIO N La Ronde Cheminée Far from common, this L’Ancresse coastal retreat has been carefully crafted by a well-known local architect

Fukku Bringing Japanese Izakaya to the heart of St Peter Port

Outside influences From native plants to planning requirements, landscaping is in the spotlight this summer

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INTRODUCTION

EDITOR Tamara Timothy

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

EDITOR’S LETTER

editor@gpcmagazine.com

SALES Matt Collas matt@rockandsmall.com

Hollie Martorella hollie@rockandsmall.com

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Rock and Small Limited info@rockandsmall.com

Guernsey Property and Construction is produced by Rock and Small Limited. To receive the magazine call 01481 724705 or email info@rockandsmall.com Guernsey Property and Construction is published by Rock and Small Limited. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited. Guernsey Property and Construction contains editorial content from external contributors which does not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers and the factual accuracy of which cannot be guaranteed by the publishers. Guernsey Property and Construction does not accept or respond to unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. The publishers do not accept responsibility for errors in advertisements or third party offers.

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elcome to the summer edition of the Guernsey Property and Construction magazine.

This is my tenth issue as editor of the magazine and, having seen the challenges the industry has faced over the past couple of years, it is encouraging to still have so many positive stories to profile in these pages. Our cover star this issue is one such project. A genuine labour of love for well-known local architect Andrew Dyke, it was a joy to speak to him about his new home. La Ronde Cheminée is an excellent example of how houses don’t have to be ostentatious to have an impact, but Andrew’s attention to detail has ensured the house is something very special. His work was recognised at the recent Guernsey Design Awards, where Andrew was presented with the inaugural award in memory of Mitch Sneddon by his peers. You can read more about the awards winners on page 34, and Andrew’s house on page four of this issue.

With the planning permission requiring social housing on the site, it’s been a joint project between a private developer and the Guernsey Housing Association. The GHA’s high requirements regarding areas such as insulation are well-known, so it was encouraging to hear that the developer followed their example for the private houses. And with energy bills on this rise, I imagine it’s something the future residents will thank them for. Elsewhere in the magazine, we step inside a new addition to Guernsey’s restaurant scene. Japanese street food restaurant Fukku is the latest brainchild of The Hook’s proprietor, and it’s been carefully designed to offer something new to the island. You can whet your appetite on page 28. Enjoy the magazine, and enjoy your summer. Tamara Timothy Editor

When building his home, Andrew’s focus was on reducing his environmental impact and it’s a theme I notice coming more and more to the fore with many projects. In this issue, we look at a new housing development in St Martin’s, Le Ménage, on page 28.

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

ISSUE 10 04 La Ronde Cheminée Architect Andrew Dyke’s new home reflects its natural surroundings as well as its owner’s environmental priorities

12 Industry news

From planning permissions to potential developments, we round up the industry news in the island

18 Fukku The new venture from the proprietor of The Hook restaurant, Japanese street food comes to Guernsey

24 Tim Pond Ravenscroft’s projects manager, and winner of the ‘Industry Professional of the Year’ award, we find out about Tim Pond’s career and life

28 Le Ménage Creating communities and providing new homes, the public-private partnership at Le Ménage is hoping to set an example for others

34 Guernsey Design Awards

The winners of the recent Guernsey Design Awards, including the ‘People’s Choice’ and the inaugural ‘Mitch Sneddon’ award

47 Property prices bulletin With local property prices a hot topic, we crunch the numbers from the latest stats

54 Keeping it local Landscapers explain the importance of using native plants when it comes to island developments

56 Landscape planning requirements Guernsey’s director of planning explains why and how they’re prioritising the natural landscape along with the built environment

58 Industry profile The founder of Auburn Gardens, Jack Etheridge, shares his experiences as a horticulturalist

60 Landscape trends As we head outside this summer, find out what’s hot in the garden

Guernsey Property and Construction

FEATURE

LA RONDE CHEMINÉE Architect Andrew Dyke has spent his career creating properties for other people to enjoy. But his latest project has been something even more personal - his own home. Situated within the natural beauty of L’Ancresse common, La Ronde Cheminée takes its inspiration both from the landscape it sits in and Andrew’s previous work to create something truly unique.

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

FEATURE

I FEEL THAT BUILDINGS ARE FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST THE OWNER LIVING INSIDE. HOUSES SHOULD BE AS NICE TO LOOK AT FROM THE OUTSIDE AS THEY ARE FOR THE PERSON LIVING IN THEM. WE SHOULD RESPECT BOTH THE ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER PEOPLE, AND THIS WAS A REALLY GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO PUT THAT INTO PRACTICE.

When Andrew Dyke’s wife Helen first found the property where La Ronde Cheminée now sits, they decided to buy it for their son and daughter-in-law to occupy. But when their son and his wife moved back to the UK after only 18 months, they decided the outstanding location created an opportunity that was just too good to miss. “It was such a wonderful site. It’s got a walled flower meadow with wild orchids right outside the house. There is no road as the house is approached by a track, and it’s 100 yards from the sea. It is such a beautiful, peaceful spot and I decided I simply had to do something on the site.” That ‘something’ has evolved into a house that both stands out with its carefully thought-out design and high-quality build, but also blends into the surrounding landscape. For Andrew, that was key to his approach. “I never wanted to build a big glass box. The really important thing for me was that I wanted to respect the landscape. That has

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always been a theme for me throughout my career – whether it’s the urban landscape or listed buildings, I feel that buildings are for everyone, not just the owner living inside. Houses should be as nice to look at from the outside as they are for the person living in them. We should respect both the environment and other people, and this was a really good opportunity for me to put that into practice.” The house previously on the site was a small, fairly unattractive bungalow. But while nothing remains visually of that property, it had a significant influence on Andrew’s new home – which has actually been built around the former house. “I started with the premise of wanting to do something that would fit into the landscape but I also needed a larger footprint than the previous house had. But I could see with the right design that parts of the bungalow could be used without changing walls as long as we were happy to have slightly smaller bedrooms etc.”

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

MY TOUCHSTONE WHEN IT CAME TO THE DESIGN WAS THE LOOK AND FEEL OF A SCANDINAVIAN BEACH HOUSE. THE LARCH IS CLEARLY INFLUENCED BY THAT, BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE, AND THE COLOUR SCHEMES ARE VERY REFLECTIVE OF THAT THEME AS WELL.

“Reducing the impact on the environment has been important to me throughout my career, and I really wanted to put that into practice when it came to my own home. I thought it would be wasteful to simply knock the existing bungalow down and start afresh, so I carefully thought about how I could use it. It’s become a bit of a cliché that it’s cheaper to knock things down and start again, and it’s not always true. This way, we got to reuse the foundations, floors and walls which has saved time, money and the environment.” Along with the ‘old’ part of the house, a link has been created to the ‘new’, which, combined with increasing the pitch of the roof, allowed Andrew the space they required within a relatively small footprint. As well as bedrooms, living space and a kitchen and dining area, Andrew needed to fit a studio into the house and separate garaging for his cars. “I was restricted with where the house sat on the site because of the wild orchid meadow, which I was clearly keen to preserve in its entirety. We therefore basically kept the footprint to where the lawn of the old bungalow had been so that we didn’t do any damage to the meadow.” While Andrew describes the house as relatively ‘modest’, it is nonetheless impressive – with its airy feel and connection to its outside space making it feel generous. Aesthetically, it has an architect’s touches all over it with the attention to detail second to none. From the handcrafted kitchen to the bespoke library with its converted harbour ladder, every aspect has been carefully thought through.

“My touchstone when it came to the design was the look and feel of a Scandinavian beach house. The larch is clearly influenced by that, both inside and outside of the house, and the colour schemes are very reflective of that theme as well. The stone walls reflected the common around the property while the pebbles were influenced by the nearby beaches. Using the environment for inspiration meant the space really evolved fairly naturally once the basic design was in place.” Andrew and Helen bought the property five years ago, but work didn’t start on site until October 2019. While the past couple of years have been tricky for everyone in the industry, site manager Karl Strobl of F Watson & Son says the property faced challenges from the start: “It was a very wet winter that year, and obviously where the house sits the water table is very high so that caused quite a few problems initially when we were trying to dig the foundations. “Once we’d got over those issues, Covid hit which affected us badly. Throughout the island’s lockdowns we obviously couldn’t do anything on site which put us behind schedule. Luckily because of the isolated nature of the house we were able to get a small number of people back on site early on, but we still faced all the logistical problems with getting materials into the island etc.” Despite the challenges, the project was finished around two years after its start, and for Karl it was a satisfying process: “In my line of work I learn something new most days, but this pushed the boundaries Guernsey Property and Construction

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ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

so much I learned a great deal. It was really good to work with Andrew – he’s such a passionate man when it comes to building. He was so specific about what he wanted that it made us really think about and understand what we were creating. Even the touches that I wasn’t sure about it at the time, such as putting ormer shells among the stones in the fireplace, have worked brilliantly. It’s all come together really well and I’m really proud to have played a part in that.” Now that the house is finished, Andrew is looking forward to moving into La Ronde Cheminée in the near future to fully enjoy the home he has created. “I feel very happy with it – it’s a place where I feel very calm and contented. I’m also

GOING GREEN The external colour scheme of La Ronde Cheminée helps it blend into its surrounding landscape, but the property’s ‘green’ credentials go a lot further than that for Andrew.

delighted that the job went so well as it was such a team effort for everyone who worked with it. Being recognised by my peers when it recently won the inaugural Mitch Sneddon award [at the Guernsey Design Awards] was the icing on the cake.” “I don’t want to boast about it, as it really is quite a modest house, but it’s exactly what I wanted. The irony of it is that many architects are looking to create something truly iconic with their designs – my approach to this house was almost to do the opposite. I wanted the house to meld into the landscape and almost go unnoticed,

“During my career, it has become more and more important to me to recognise the importance of taking great care of our environment and treading as lightly as we can on it. Reusing materials is a great way to do that, and something I was keen to do as much as possible with the house. I was very conscious of ensuring that the materials we used are either recyclable or are not going to have an adverse effect on the environment at the end of their lifetime.”

Retaining the former bungalow was one way of helping with the build’s environmental impact, but it still required plenty of effort to ensure it suited modern requirements. “We wrapped the old bungalow in a thick layer of insulation and breathable membranes as well as the larch cladding. The whole house is very well insulated – while it wasn’t designed as a Passivhaus it is certainly very close in terms of performance. With the large amount of insulation and the green roof, it is very energy efficient.” While the insulation helps reduce energy consumption, what is needed can be largely provided through the use of renewable energy. The installation of solar and PV panels on the house, along with a Tesla battery for storage, has ensured some very low electricity bills to run the new property.

although I do still enjoy hearing the positive comments when people have noticed and appreciated it.” Guernsey Property and Construction

FEATURE

SET IN STONE The stonework on the house is clearly one of its defining features, from the very distinctive round chimney to the side elevation and stone walling. For stonemason Dave Bourgaize of Granite Le Pelley, it was a challenging but ultimately very rewarding job. For most of the stonemasonry, he had sole responsibility on site – working closely with Andrew to ensure he was fulfilling his vision. “It was a big responsibility but it was something I really enjoyed,” said Dave. “You rarely get the opportunity to do a whole project like that singlehandedly, so I was very grateful to my boss for allowing me to work on it and to Andrew for allowing the time for it to be done by one person. I think that did make a big difference to the final product as it ensures it is all very consistent rather than being completed by different people.” “Andrew had a very clear idea of what he wanted – from the appearance to the specific colour of the stone. The end result is definitely his vision but I was very glad to contribute to it. I really enjoyed working down there and I’m very proud of what we achieved.” The round chimney that gives the house its name was inspired by a previous design of Andrew’s that he

S T O N E M A S O N S • N AT U R A L S T O N E S P E C I A L I S T S

We are celebrating our 40th year trading as Granite Le Pelley and are proud to have recently completed the stone work at La Ronde Cheminée. We followed the client’s specification to ensure the building sat within its rural setting seamlessly and also to look as if it were built hundreds of years ago.

You’ll see outstanding examples of our work all around you. Craftsmen, creating the right impression with stone. Tel. 01481 257610 enquiries@granitelepelley.gg www.granitelepelley.gg

Garenne House Garenne Park Rue de la Cache St. Sampsons Guernsey GY2 4AF

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ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022 was keen to reflect in the new property. An unusual approach for the island, it gave the contractors plenty of challenges. “It certainly took me a little while to fully understand what Andrew was trying to achieve with it,” said Dave. “Karl helped with setting it all up so that we could get the shape of the chimney and then it was a case of working our way up to the top, where it was finished off with a distinctive large round stone sat on four pebbles.” Inside the house, the pebbles are also a real feature, with the stone chimney a focal point of the living space. Here Andrew added yet another personal touch, with half a dozen ormer shells inserted amongst the stone. The stone used at the property was mainly sourced locally, and is largely a mixture of local stone to reflect Andrew’s desire to reuse and recycle. Guernsey pebbles, however, are not available for use in building projects, so these were sourced from Scotland and brought down to the island. For Andrew, the stonework was one of the most satisfying parts of the project, “I’m delighted with it and think that Dave did a wonderful job. I had a clear idea of what I wanted and he managed to achieve that despite all the challenges.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Education Department site bought by medical practice size of the current practice and will feature more parking spaces, an accessible drop-off/turning point, an enclosed bike store, electric car charging points and a petanque court. QRMP chief executive officer, Will Pierce, said the practice had been searching for a suitable location after outgrowing its current site. “We are very pleased to have bought such a landmark building from the States, which will enable us to create a great environment for patients to visit and our staff to work from,” he said.

The former Education Department building on the Grange has been purchased by Queen’s Road Medical Practice. The site will be redeveloped as the new location for the practice and is the first property to be sold by the States as part of its rationalisation programme.

Redevelopment plans are underway, with the practice set to open in 2024. In addition to a doctor’s practice, the site will include an educational space and a dedicated social prescribing and counselling suite. The new facility, which is 300 yards away from the existing site, is more than twice the

“I’m extremely pleased the sale has now been completed, particularly as the new owners will be developing it into a health and wellbeing site for the benefit of our community.” The Longfrie surgery will remain as part of Queens Road Medical Practice, and the current Queens Road Surgery will remain open until the new site is ready to occupy.

GHA submits planning application for Fontaine Vinery will then be completed and occupied in phases. The design is a mix of two-storey houses with some three-storey one-bedroom apartments to give variation and make good use of the land. The development aims to house single people, couples and some families with 50% of the homes being one-bed apartments, 30% two-bedroom houses, and 20% three-bedroom houses, plus three four-bed houses, as this reflects the waiting lists for rental and partial ownership.

A detailed planning application for 91 new homes has been submitted by Guernsey Housing Association (GHA) for the Fontaine Vinery land, which is owned by the States.

service. The development hopes to begin to tackle the current pressing need to supply more new homes to the many people in the island requiring accommodation.

The properties will be a mix of social rental and partial ownership targeted at aspiring first time buyers and homes for keyworkers needed to support the island’s health

If planning permission is obtained within the next six months, construction could start in spring 2023 with the first homes being completed by summer 2024. The housing

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A tender process for local contractors capable of building 91 homes will start in due course. Steve Williams, chief executive at GHA, said: “After an extensive design process we are delighted that our architects Create have submitted the planning application, and we can make real progress towards meeting the housing needs of people in the island who cannot afford or find suitable accommodation.”

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

Ladies’ Pool reopens at La Vallette Repairs included resurfacing the concrete steps and pool areas to make them ‘barefoot friendly’. The team behind the Vive La Vallette project has also installed an assisted access ramp on the south side of the site to allow users with mobility issues to access the pool, although work is ongoing with that.

The Ladies’ Pool at La Vallette has reopened to swimmers after being closed for months for an extensive programme of repair and refurbishment works.

The work to the pool has included restoring the concrete poolside surface and steps, repointing the granite capping to the pool wall to reduce leakage, repairing and underpinning the pool walls, rebuilding the granite masonry inner face of the diving platform, and building a granite retaining wall at the foot of a steep grassy bank at the

northern corner of the site. During the work, the pool was also dredged so that silt and sand could be dug out from the shallower northern half of the pool. Now that the work has been completed on the Ladies’ Pool, the Children’s Pool has been closed for its own renovations. The works on that pool are expected to complete by July, so that the pool can be used during the summer season. However, Agriculture Countryside & Land Management Services have warned that large projects on historic sites such as the pools do have the potential to throw up unexpected challenges along the way.

New chief executive appointed for Guernsey Housing Association Guernsey Housing Association’s chief executive, Steve Williams (pictured), is retiring next February, and his successor has been appointed. Victoria Slade will start this October to allow several months handover from Steve, who has been in the role since 2006. Victoria is currently the chief executive of Cynon Taf Community Housing Group in South Wales, managing 1,850 properties.

She will bring extensive knowledge in providing social housing and is very focused on delivering quality services to residents. Chris Hill, chairman of Guernsey Housing Association said: “We are delighted to welcome Victoria and are sure that she will make a major contribution, working with our stakeholders, to meet the significant need for social housing in Guernsey.”

Recommendations to manage anti-tank wall at L’Ancresse A Requête to pause the managed realignment strategy was approved in 2020. That Requête suspended the realignment until 2030 but required a significant amount of work on the wall to take place in the interim period.

The Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure has submitted recommendations as to how to manage the anti-tank wall at L’Ancresse East. The proposals to manage the 272-metre stretch would be funded from existing coastline management budgets until 2030.

The Committee has consulted with the Policy & Resources Committee, the requérants remaining in the Assembly, and the Vale Commons Council. An approach has been agreed, which will be met by existing coastline management budgets, which includes placing rock armour protection on some panels and installing more permanent fencing as a health and safety measure. Regular monitoring of the wall will continue, with an update report to be provided to the

Committee annually. In the event of a breach, the Committee would take immediate action. Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, president of the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure said: “The recommendation in this policy letter is a straightforward, pragmatic proposal that simultaneously respects the spirit and main intention of the Requête, the Government Work Plan as prioritised by this Assembly, and the current constraints on public finances. It was developed through constructive dialogue with the remaining requérants. The Committee can implement this proposed new management approach within its existing budget, meaning the policy letter does not ask the States for any additional resources.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Fort Doyle property for sale The abandoned house at Fort Doyle in the Vale has been placed up for sale by local estate agency, Swoffers, at a price of £1,100,000. The former shore station for Platte Fougere lighthouse was sold by the States in 2018 to a private company for £535,000. It was purchased by Tai Ming Ltd, which is registered at Beaucette Marina. Swoffers’ listing for the property states that, “the current owners, in connection with Tyrrel Dowinton Associates, have secured a number of approvals to develop the site, ranging from three apartments, four

apartments and also multiple occupation if required”. It also states there is a possibility of creating “one bespoke home on site, given the panorama of views the property enjoys,” subject to required planning approval. Four schemes for the site have already been approved by the Development and Planning Authority, with the most recent last year. Sealed bids for the property are being accepted by the realtor until 28 June. Image courtesy of Swoffers

CIOB searching for talent and inclusion – award for both individuals and companies. The two EDI awards are a new introduction for 2022 and have been designed to recognise the importance of diversity in the workplace and those who create an inclusive environment in which all employees feel valued and can thrive. The nominations are expected to highlight examples of a commitment to embedding EDI in the construction sector. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is opening up the next group of categories in its annual search for the UK’s finest construction and built environment talent. Entries are now open for Rising Star, CIOB Team Award and an EDI – equality, diversity

CIOB will also be seeking nominations for their Rising Star award, an international category which highlights the achievements and early career impact of those who have been in construction for five years or less.

Construction companies can submit their nominations for the CIOB Team Award. First introduced last year, it celebrates the collaborations of groups working together to meet a shared goal. Teams can be any group of three or more people working within the built environment within a single organisational entity. The CIOB Awards also include the longestablished and highly-regarded Construction Manager of the Year title, which was won last year by Marc Burton of Garenne Construction Group in Jersey (pictured). The CIOB Awards are free to enter and open to non-members, as well as members of CIOB.

Draft Development Framework prepared for L’Aumone The site is located within the L’Aumone Local Centre, as set out within the IDP, with a site area of approximately 0.86 hectares (8.5 vergées).

A Draft Development Framework has been prepared to guide potential development within the boundaries of L’Aumone House/ Petit Lande/Sherwood/Bru’s Retraite, L’Aumone, Castel.

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To the west of the site are local amenities and services including a doctor’s surgery, a pharmacy, a convenience store and other employers’ premises. The surrounding built environment is predominantly residential with a number of fields identified as Agriculture Priority Areas to the north-west and south of the site. Although not all land within the framework is currently available for development due to

existing dwellings and ownerships, the land associated with the three dwellings ‘Petit Lande’, ‘Sherwood’ and ‘Bru’s Retraite’ have been included to ensure that any development is planned in a comprehensive way should circumstances change. The Draft Development Framework has been prepared by Planning Service officers for the purpose of providing broad, comprehensive, impartial and practical planning guidance on how the Island Development Plan 2016 policies will be applied if any planning application is made for the site. Public consultation is welcomed, and anyone with an interest in the site is encouraged to have their say.

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

Houses planned for E&G site A planning application has been submitted for an £8m project to demolish the former English & Guernsey Arms and build seven houses and 12 flats on the site. The plans have been submitted by HVC, which says it wants to create a development which “can be considered spectacular and raise the Bridge’s profile from a residential perspective and may also encourage other future development in St Sampson’s.” The former pub at the South Quay on the Bridge has been left in poor condition for a number of years, with the venue closed for some time.

The application is for 19 residential units with a mix of one to three-bedroom properties to provide housing for up to 45 people. The proposals also include parking for all units to help avoid more on-road parking in the busy area. HVC says they would plan to commence work on site as soon as planning permission has been granted and a building licence awarded. The application is under consideration by the States Development and Planning Authority.

Mallard Development Framework It is hoped that this will aid development of additional extra-care accommodation, nursing and residential homes. The Draft Development Framework was the subject of a public consultation for six weeks, ending on 26 January 2022. A number of responses to the draft were received from a range of consultees including States Committees, agencies and the public. A Development Framework has been approved by the Development & Planning Authority for development of specialised housing at the Mallard site, Rue de la Villiaze, Forest.

Whilst there was broad support for specialised housing at the site a number of other concerns were raised including access to the site and the potential impact of traffic on local roads; the relationship

between any new development and the existing complex; protection and enhancement of biodiversity; potential impacts on the amenities of adjoining properties; and the scale and form of housing to be provided. All of the matters raised were fully considered by the Authority and several amendments were made to the draft in response to the comments received before the final Development Framework was approved. The Mallard Complex is acknowledged as an important facility to the island and its continued viability is an integral part of the Development Framework.

New dairy site identified An area at Pitronnerie Road identified for industrial expansion is the only other site which remains shortlisted for potential use following an extensive assessment of 16 locations in public and private ownership.

Land adjacent to Brickfield House in St Andrew’s, the headquarters of Guernsey Water, is now the preferred site if the States go ahead with construction of a new dairy. The project comes at an estimated cost of £22-26million.

The States’ Trading Supervisory Board, which runs the dairy, is currently preparing an outline business case for the proposed development having confirmed that a new dairy on a new site is their preferred way forward. Preparatory work on the project has cost around £475,000 so far, including the time of States’ staff. More than a dozen sites were carefully evaluated before the

Brickfield House site was decided upon. Deputy Peter Roffey said: “The further detailed evaluation of options has concluded that a new dairy on a new site remains the optimum solution. Whilst a substantial refurbishment of the existing dairy may be technically feasible, it would not realise the same production efficiency savings as a new build, and estimated capital costs are greater, due to the increased complexity and continuity and safety risks associated with continued production on site throughout the duration of the works.”

Guernsey Property and Construction

INDUSTRY NEWS

Rihoy & Son working on PEH upgrades Work has started on site following Policy & Resources Committee approval of the Full Business Case for this first phase of work, including the appointment of Rihoy & Son as principal contractor. The Guernsey firm was selected following a robust tendering process conducted within the local construction industry.

HSC has entered a partnership with Rihoy & Son to undertake the construction of the first phase of a programme of essential upgrades to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.

Phase 1 involves the refurbishment and extension of the old Ozanne Ward, extending the building’s footprint to the south. Scheduled to be completed over two years, the works will deliver a new purposebuilt Critical Care Unit (CCU) with increased capacity from seven to twelve beds to

manage demand and support additional surgery, and a new Post Anaesthesia Recovery Unit with ten beds that can be swiftly converted to provide additional critical care beds (to support for example, any future pandemic demands or other emergency situations). Additional extensive upgrades, including purpose-built maternity, paediatric and orthopaedic facilities together with modifications to the Emergency Department, are scheduled to be delivered in future phases of work beyond 2024, subject to separate Business Case approvals.

Restoration work underway at Candie Gardens recast. The oldest of the gates is the upper gate, which was installed on 3 March 1896, and described at the time by The Star as ‘a great boon to persons anxious to get home after the night fetes’.

Works to restore some of the historic structures in Guernsey’s Candie Gardens are underway. The historic gates and archway are being removed so they can be repaired and restored, with some of the design details

The two glasshouses at Candie Gardens are also being restored. Both are currently closed to the public, and the restoration will mean they can again be safe and available for use. The oldest of the two glasshouses dates back to 1792 and is thought to be one of the oldest in the British Isles. It is too early to give a definitive timeframe on the completion of these works because of the historic nature of the structures but it is hoped the repairs on the gates will be finished by the middle of this year, with one

of the two glasshouses ready for use by the end of the year. Emily Coule, acting senior environment services officer said: “Candie Gardens is a beautiful, green and historic space in St Peter Port and it’s great to see it getting back to its best. We’ve recently seen the restoration of the Candie ticket office thanks to the kind voluntary work from a member of the community. In the past couple of years we’ve also had Floral Guernsey re-planting the flower beds, and we know those floral displays will really shine this summer. And now we’re keeping that momentum going by getting on with some of the other important, historic parts of the gardens - the gates and the glasshouses - and we’re really looking forward to seeing those progress.”

Deerhound reopens after renovation Forest pub and restaurant, The Deerhound, has reopened to the public following a major refurbishment of the property. It’s the latest of a series of upgrades and investment across the Liberation Group’s establishments in Guernsey, with the Thomas de la Rue recently refurbished and the former Houmet Tavern at Rousse shortly due to reopen as The Puffin and Oyster. Work began on the property in March and included major upgrades to the exterior and interior of the building.

Guernsey Property and Construction

Patrick Anslow, general manager of The Deerhound, said that they were really happy with the speed and look of the refurbishment: “The Deerhound has needed a facelift for a while so the timing of the renovation was very welcome. The Liberation Group wants to be seen as primarily a pub company and this is a great uplift for the Forest as it’s something new and different for the parish.”

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

Latest Leale’s Yard plan submitted supermarket will be run by the Channel Islands Co-operative, which owns the site. These plans are hoped to be more successful than previous attempts, as a development partner is already lined up for the project, with J W Rihoy & Son partnering with the Co-op.

now been unoccupied for 20 years.

The Bridge-based site at Leale’s Yard covers about 7.5 acres (three hectares) and has seen a number of proposals over the years, none of which have come to fruition. It has

Under the proposals all the homes would be modular housing, which would be built in a factory in Harrogate and transported to Guernsey to be constructed on site. The

The latest project is expected to cost more than £50m and would be the largest single development in the island.

It is envisaged that the first homes and other buildings will be completed within three years of planning approval, and the whole development finished within five years.

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B L U E in B OAT H O U S E V E LV E T M AT T A N D E G G S H E L L , B L U E R I B B O N , E D E LW E I S S W H I T E in V E LV E T M AT T, P U G I N R E D in E G G S H E L L

Plans to build 332 houses, a multi-storey car park and a large supermarket have been submitted to planners in Guernsey for the long-running potential development at Leale’s Yard.

The Co-op says that environmental sustainability is one of the key themes for the project, with plans for plenty of green and civic space. The buildings will be low carbon and low energy, and the development will include features such as solar panels, low energy heating systems, shared mobility transport schemes, and measures to promote active transport methods.

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FEATURE

FUKKU With The Hook restaurant now well-known and well-loved in Guernsey, its proprietor was keen for a new challenge. The result is ‘Fukku’, a casual Japanese eatery that has recently opened in St Peter Port’s historic Arcade. 18

Guernsey Property and Construction

For a small venue, Fukku has a big impact. From its statement graphics to its bold use of colour, it’s very different to anything else on the local restaurant scene – and that’s exactly what owner Sam Jarrold was aiming for. “I really wanted to do something that was very modern and different for Guernsey. Obviously there is a strong Japanese influence to it, and I wanted it to feel very authentic. The aim with Fukku was that it wouldn’t feel out of place in Tokyo, and I think that we’ve achieved that – I’m delighted with it.”

While Fukku has now lived up to Sam’s aspirations, it hasn’t been an easy path to get there. Having developed the concept of a casual fast-food Japanese restaurant a couple of years ago, he was actively looking for the right property. Eventually settling on the spot Fukku now occupies in the Arcade, he signed the lease in late 2020 just before the island’s second lockdown came into force in early 2021.

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022 the red and blue colour scheme has a real impact. Sam worked closely with graphic designer Paul Mason-Barney on the project and it’s his work that has given Fukku its distinctive look. While Paul was originally commissioned to work on branding design, his role evolved to include interiors, animation, font design, social media and general art direction. But he says it was a project he was happy to immerse himself in: “The joy of this project was the trust that Sam gave me to develop a look and feel for not just the design work but the interiors too. I rendered the spaces and worked with Sam on the lighting and graphics for the walls and ceiling. I also designed the Fukku Neue which is a bespoke font for the restaurant – it is these little details I love adding to a project.” The closer you examine the branding for Fukku, the more there is to notice. Having researched the look of many authentic Japanese izakayas, Paul’s approach was influenced by various factors: “There were a number of starting points for the branding. The first being Wagara, which are traditional Japanese patterns. Things like San Kuzushi which is a crosshatch pattern made up of alternating horizontal and vertical sets of two or three lines. These lines come from the character 三 san. The design is based on basket weave derivation and is commonly used in architecture. Pattern is a big part of the design work. The photography has been bitmapped to make it feel like it’s a pattern rather than just slapping images into the design work. “Even the colour palette of red and blue or ‘aka’ and ‘ao’ are from Japanese culture. Red is the colour of temples and shrines. Blue was the colour of the hand dyed clothing of common people.”

EVEN THE COLOUR PALETTE OF RED AND BLUE OR ‘AKA’ AND ‘AO’ ARE FROM JAPANESE CULTURE. RED IS THE COLOUR OF TEMPLES AND SHRINES. BLUE WAS THE COLOUR OF THE HAND DYED CLOTHING OF COMMON PEOPLE.

“When we took on the lease, we thought we’d be able to get the work complete and the restaurant open in around six months. The Covid lockdown obviously delayed work on the project, but once we were able to work in the venue there were then also some major delays with our equipment. It meant the whole project has taken much longer than we originally envisaged so we’re delighted to finally be open to the public.” When those customers come in, they will be greeted with a striking interior – statement graphics cover the whole ceiling, while

Japan itself is a country of contrasts, and Paul reflected that in the design: “I wanted the finished interior to be clean like Japanese graphic design but also neon like modern Japanese street culture. This is reflected in the space with the big red neon sign [which will be installed shortly] but juxtaposed with the simple wooden slats on the opposite side of the room. The natural next to the man-made. The ceiling graphics are really the highlight of the design. Like being in a city, the graphics make visitors look up as they enter the space.”

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ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

SAY THAT AGAIN… Fukku (pronounced Fookoo) means ‘hooked on’ in Japanese. A play on its relationship to The Hook restaurant, its proprietor is also hoping it will get the Guernsey public hooked on the new cuisine for the island. Kanpai!

Those ceiling graphics are certainly one of the most noticeable features of the space, and they also posed one of the main challenges of the project. Dave Dowding of Dowding Signs worked closely with Paul on the installation. “Paul originally sent over a design concept as a visual with the idea that the ceiling could be a vinyl wrap. It looked amazing, but because it’s an old building and nothing is straight or even it was a lot trickier than he originally imagined. There are beams going across the ceiling and it’s an irregularly shaped room while the design itself is very angular and precise. But by using a host of different materials, we’ve made it work and I think the end result is really impressive.” Dave used his experience to hand paint much of the ceiling, along with applying print and wall art vinyl to get a final result that everyone is delighted with. He was also key in finding solutions elsewhere as well: “We needed a mirror for a large space at the top of the stairs and we couldn’t find one to fit in that space. We’ve used a Perspex mirror instead and it looks great – you wouldn’t know the difference and it’s actually much safer in that environment.” Along with the décor issues, one of the early challenges on the project was simply how to fit everything required into the small space. Chris Martel of StudiO was the architect on the project. “When we look at spaces, there are usually lots of possible solutions and it’s our job to decide which would work best. Due to the size of the premises for Fukku, the number of options really were limited. By the time we’d narrowed it down to the current plans, I can’t really think of another way of doing it that would work. But when you’re working in a small space, it’s even more important to get the layout right as you need to maximise all the space you

TRANSF RM ELECTRICS LTD

Hamish and the team are thrilled to be involved with the fit out of Fukku, and wish Sam and his team all the best for the future. New Installs • Re-wires • Fault Finding • Lighting Design • Data Cabling • Wi-Fi • Smart Homes • Electric Heating Contact us today to discuss your project 07781 166001 info@transformelectrics.co.uk

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FEATURE do have. I think Fukku now feels light and easy, but because of its size it wasn’t a particularly easy project.” That use of space has resulted in a restaurant area at street level with high seating around the walls and in the windows. That has been purposefully done to allow space for those waiting for takeaways. Downstairs is the kitchen and a couple of toilets, carefully designed to allow for the necessary venting from the kitchen to outside. With the building listed, the planning department has been involved with the work on site. Additionally, Sam needed to apply for change of use for the premises, a process he said was relatively easy: “Because we have a slightly different offering to what was there before we needed to get permission. We’ve changed from a café to a restaurant licence so that we can have a liquor licence as obviously that is a big part of our offering here.”

Guernsey Property and Construction

For Chris, dealing with the planning side of the project was quite straightforward, despite the building’s listed status: “The planning process was actually fairly easy on this property, although the planning and building control processes did take some time. Because of the listing, there was quite a lot to do in terms of the process and we needed to record what we were doing but it all went very smoothly.” With Sam project managing the build himself, he says he relied on having a strong team of contractors around him. “I had a lot going on at the same time as this project, so I was very grateful for the input from others working here. Wayne Barrett did the carpentry on the project and his experience was key. We were pushing boundaries with things like the poured resin bar tops, and he helped us come up with the solutions that would allow it to work. “On the electrics side, Transform did a wonderful job with the lighting. It was really key to get it right as we want to both create an atmosphere and show off the food we’ve

IZAKAYA INSPIRATION Fukku is based on the popular Japanese izakaya bars, which are informal places for after-work drinking and casual eating. The three kanji in the word izakaya (居酒屋) literally mean ‘stay-drinkplace’, and the original venues developed from sake shops that allowed customers to sit on the premises to drink. Now izakaya offer more than that – with casual food ranging from yakitori to substantial bowls of ramen commonplace. In Japan, izakaya bars are sometimes referred to as ‘red lanterns’ due to the paper lanterns that are traditionally found in front of them. In Guernsey, you’ll just need to keep an eye out for Fukku’s distinctive signage in the Arcade.

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022 prepared. We also wanted to make sure all the graphics were shown to their best advantage and he’s really helped us to do that.”

THE CONTRACTORS Dowding Signs StudiO Architects Paul Mason-Barney Wayne Barrett Carpentry Transform Electrics Eco-plumbing Servaclean Bars Surfaces.gg Guernsey Ducting

Now that the restaurant is complete, Fukku can seat 20 inside for a quick meal. Once an al fresco licence is hopefully granted, Sam will be able to add another dozen covers to that, and he hopes he’s created a space to entice people in: “I believe that when you try to create a restaurant space it needs to be attractive. I know that ultimately food is what you’re selling and you need to have a good product, but to differentiate yourself you have to create atmosphere. I think you do that through your décor, your lighting, plants and music.” “We’re selling an international cuisine so we want people to walk in and not feel that they’re in Guernsey – we hope the effort we’ve put in to using different materials and different techniques will help them feel like that, and that they’ll enjoy the experience.”

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T 01481 729975 // M 07781 129975 Regent House, La Marette Road, St. Sampsons, GY2 4FR

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INTERVIEW

TIM POND As the winner of the ‘Industry Professional of the Year’ award at the recent Guernsey Property and Construction Awards, Tim Pond was recognised for his achievements in the sector. His role as projects manager at Ravenscroft Construction Ltd means that his job varies every day – but, as we found out, his life outside of work has been just as eventful.

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ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022 Having spent the first decade of his working life in the army, when Tim left the armed forces his path led him into the construction industry. “Like many people, I did struggle at first with getting back into civilian life. But luckily a friend suggested that I start a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship and my new career blossomed from there.“ “The industry was a good fit for me from the start. I really enjoyed the work and the process of creating something tangible. I’ve also never enjoyed spending too much time inside so the practical, hands-on nature of the construction industry has always suited me well.” Like many of those who have settled as adults in the island, Tim didn’t arrive on Guernsey expecting to stay long-term. But 20 years on, he’s a well-established part of the community with a deep love of the island. “I came across for a job working as part of a team on a construction project, and I loved the island from the start. I was working six days a week so on the Sunday I would get up early and walk around different sections of Guernsey. I’ve always had a real passion for the sea and being on a small island where I could access different coasts was wonderful to me.” Having fallen in love with the island, Tim then fell in love with his now-wife, Nikki, and within a matter of months had moved to the island permanently. He says it was a decision he’s never regretted. Having been self-employed for many years, Tim started his current role with Ravenscroft Construction Ltd around six years ago and says it’s a great fit for him. As projects manager, he has responsibility for ensuring that the company’s sites are running efficiently.

“Every day is completely different with multiple different tasks. One day I can be writing a programme for a new job or doing a risk assessment. On another I can be contacting our client and their architect to discuss the end of a defects period and finalising a project. That variety keeps the role really interesting, but it’s always with the same end goal in mind, a successful result for the client.” Tim is involved at all stages of the project, using the experience he has gained throughout his years in the industry to ensure that Ravenscroft’s projects are completed successfully. “I cover the full spectrum of a project, from the initial tendering process to the end product. It means that with some projects I can be involved for a couple of years – seeing it progress from its infancy through to completion. I find that really rewarding and I’m constantly taking photos as we go along to show the progress. Every day is different, which is exactly what I want – if two days were the same it probably wouldn’t be the job for me.” “I also genuinely enjoy the pressure that comes with the role. I like being in the middle and balancing what the client wants and what we need to achieve on site and liaising with all the parties to achieve that.”

I GET REAL ENJOYMENT OUT OF SEEING OUR STAFF ENJOY THEIR WORK – AND IF I CAN FACILITATE THAT, I FEEL LIKE I’M DOING MY JOB WELL. WHEN I’M ON SITE AND MY COLLEAGUES SEEM HAPPY THAT IS REWARDING FOR ME. I’VE BEEN IN THEIR SHOES AND I UNDERSTAND THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS THAT GO ALONG WITH IT SO I ALWAYS TRY TO HELP AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

But while his job often involves ensuring the client is happy, for Tim it is just as important that his team is happy. “I get real enjoyment out of seeing our staff enjoy their work – and if I can facilitate that, I feel like I’m doing my job well. When I’m on site and my colleagues seem happy that is rewarding for me. I’ve been in their shoes and I understand the trials and tribulations that go along with it so I always try to help as much as possible. I still clearly remember the days when I was instructed on a daily basis, so I’m glad I can now pass my experience on to others.”

“The job doesn’t tie me down to an office as the majority of my time is spent outside visiting our sites and ensuring that our teams know what needs to be done as well as making sure everything is in place for the projects to run smoothly. I hold regular progress meetings to make sure I can gauge our progress against the programme and report back to the client.”

Guernsey Property and Construction

INTERVIEW

FOR TIM, IT’S CRUCIAL THAT HE HAS THE PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE TO BACK UP HIS MANAGERIAL ROLE. BUT HE’S AWARE THAT BEING IN CHARGE DOESN’T MEAN HE HAS ALL THE ANSWERS.

Guernsey Property and Construction

For Tim, it’s crucial that he has the practical experience to back up his managerial role. But he’s aware that being in charge doesn’t mean he has all the answers. “I haven’t just learned the theory, I’ve done the job and that makes a real difference when I’m speaking to the staff on site. When there are issues I can empathise with the situations they are in and help work out what happened, why it happened, and what the solution might be. But I’m always open to new ideas and input from the team. When I was working on site I learned myself how important it was to work collaboratively, and I hope that’s an ethos I’ve passed on to my team. It doesn’t matter whose idea it was, it just matters that the end product is right.”

Tim’s dedication to the role was recognised with his recent award at the Guernsey Property and Construction Awards. Having previously been a finalist in the category, he was delighted to collect the trophy. “It was a surprise to be nominated again and be a finalist, let alone win. I was very overwhelmed by the recognition and absolutely delighted. I think my success shows that my peers and my clients are happy with me, which is a great feeling. I always try to be approachable with both clients and staff and hopefully that has had an impact.” “At the end of the day, I just want the clients to be happy. I’ve had clients tell me that the finished product we’ve produced looks better than the CGI plans they were shown at the start – that’s a successful project for me, and that’s why I enjoy what I do.”

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

LIFESAVER Well-known locally within the industry for his day to day role, Tim is also a familiar face to many in the community. A keen sea swimmer as well as a passionate supporter of the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation (PPBF), his fundraising efforts for the charity have been impressive. In the summer of 2019 Tim swam from Jersey to France to raise money for the PPBF. It was an amazing effort in itself, but even more so considering that the year before he had been seriously ill. “In early 2018 I ended up in intensive care in the UK in an induced coma due to pneumonia and sepsis. At one stage I couldn’t walk, talk or eat. It was a very difficult period for me and my family, and I’m very grateful to have mainly recovered from it now. It certainly gave me a fresh perspective on life and the importance of prioritising my family.” Tim admits that the traumatic experience did affect him, and says that swimming has been a lifesaver in more ways than one.

“When I got ill, the doctors said that my regular sea swimming helped keep me alive as my lungs were so strong from the training. Once I was back home in Guernsey and recovering, I was very keen to get back into the water. Five months after being in hospital I got back into the pool with the disability swim group. I managed eight lengths that first time and was absolutely exhausted, but I was determined to build my strength back up.” Tim certainly managed that, training until he was ready to manage the 14-mile swim from Jersey to France in 11 hours in August 2019 – a feat that he is believed to be the first Guernseyman to achieve. But having met that goal, he hasn’t stopped swimming. “I get up early every day and try to swim before work. I aim to be in the water at around half past six so that I can get to site just after seven. It’s definitely good for my mental health – it’s a bit of a release, and the best way I can think of to start the day. While I still have days where my health is affected, I feel lucky to be here and be alive, and swimming is my way of celebrating that.”

IT WAS A SURPRISE TO BE NOMINATED AGAIN AND BE A FINALIST, LET ALONE WIN. I WAS VERY OVERWHELMED BY THE RECOGNITION AND ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED. I THINK MY SUCCESS SHOWS THAT MY PEERS AND MY CLIENTS ARE HAPPY WITH ME, WHICH IS A GREAT FEELING.

Guernsey Property and Construction

FEATURE

Guernsey Property and Construction

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

LE MÉNAGE A new development in the heart of St Martin’s has brought 26 new homes to the parish – and with its mix of private and partial ownership properties, it potentially paves the way for future similar developments.

Guernsey Property and Construction

FEATURE

WE ARE ALWAYS ASPIRING TO PROVIDE PROPERTIES THAT PEOPLE WILL LOOK AT AND THINK ‘THAT’S WHERE I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE.

Formerly known as Les Blanches, when planning permission was granted for the Le Ménage development on previously agricultural fields, it came with the condition that a certain number of properties would be allocated for partial ownership. Now those properties have been completed, with 10 two-bedroom apartments sold to people on the Guernsey Housing Association’s (GHA) waiting list. The remaining 4 apartments have also been sold, while the 12 two-bedroom houses on site should complete later this summer. Eleanor Saunders is a director at Walter Property Limited. A family company for almost 90 years, it owns development company Vieux Moulin. She explained why the project was approached in that way: “A prerequisite of the planning covenant was not only that we would build the partial ownership properties, but that they would be completed before the rest of the site. We have therefore finished work on all of the apartments, and the new residents have moved in.” With the apartments completed, the focus is now on the dozen houses that comprise the rest of the development. But while the ownership structure may be different

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between the properties, according to Eleanor, there is no difference in their outward appearance: “We’ve specifically intended for the partial ownership properties not to look different to the others. We wanted all the properties to look the same and for it to be a very inclusive community.” That’s something that was equally important to the GHA’s chief executive, Steve Williams: “We are always aspiring to provide properties that people will look at and think ‘that’s where I would like to live’. There is an expression – tenure blind – which I think is really important. It’s the idea that nobody knows who lives behind the curtain in terms of tenure – it’s just an attractive looking property that could belong to anyone.” In terms of looks, the aesthetic of the new development is clean and modern, but with some pops of colour to add character to the individual properties. For Eleanor, it was important to strike the right balance: “We were open to using some colour in the development, but we didn’t want to take it too far. We’ve therefore done things like giving the houses different coloured front doors and render on the gables to differentiate them, while staying within a

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

WHO CAN LIVE AT LE MÉNAGE? The 12 houses and 4 apartments that are for private sale can only be purchased by households in which at least one member is over-55 or is classed as having a disability. A partner or other member of the household will also be able to reside there with the qualifying resident. The GHA properties do not have any age restriction on them; however, the purchasers did need to meet the GHA’s requirements to be entitled to access the partial ownership scheme.

and not being able to work on site. Along with many other projects they have also had real issues getting materials, and I know that glass was a particular problem. We have had delays which is to be expected, but overall I think they’ve performed really well in what’s been a really challenging time for the industry.”

fairly muted colour palette. There is also some rather striking blue curtain walling on the apartment building.” While the outside of the properties have been individualised, inside they have all been built to meet the same high standard. The GHA is renowned for insisting on very high standards of energy efficiency in its properties, and for this project the developer decided to follow the same standards for all of the apartments and houses. Steve explained why it matters so much to them: “Insulation and draught proofing is very important to us when we’re building properties. We want our homes to be really energy efficient so that residents face lower energy bills – and that’s only becoming more important at the moment. We were delighted that the developer followed our specification for the rest of the properties and I’m sure their new owners will reap the benefits of that.”

Ravenscroft Construction has been the main contractor for the development. With work starting in 2019, they’ve faced a myriad of Covid-related challenges over the past two years. The island has had two lockdowns during that period, as well as the pandemic affecting their workforce and the ability to get necessary materials to the island. It has undoubtedly delayed the build, but Eleanor is still very happy with what they’ve achieved in the timeframe. “Covid has been hugely difficult for Ravenscroft on lots of levels. Luckily, they employ a good level of staff so they do have the sub-contractors available when needed. They’ve managed to keep the project going through all the challenges and it’s amazing how well they’ve done.” Steve agrees that the contractor has dealt well with the challenges: “Like everyone, Ravenscroft struggled with the lockdowns

While the GHA has completed a number of residential developments in the island, Walter Property has previously concentrated almost exclusively on commercial property. For Eleanor, Le Ménage has therefore been a steep learning curve, but one she says she’s enjoyed: “Walter Property has been a family company for more than 80 years, but we have recently recognised that we need to take advantage of different opportunities and do something a bit more dynamic. When we were approached with the possibility of acquiring this site we decided it was a great opportunity, and hopefully the current housing market will mean it was the right decision to make.” That market should ensure plenty of demand for the properties, but there are limits on who can purchase them. The privately owned houses and apartments can only be bought by households where one member is over-55 or recognised as disabled. The houses have therefore been designed with long-term needs in mind. Local architectural firm Tyrrell Dowinton Associates drew up the original plans for the previous owner of the site, but architect Andy Merrett of Lovell Ozanne has worked with the current developer to ensure they met all requirements. He explained how Guernsey Property and Construction

FEATURE LE MÉNAGE AND GP11 The Le Ménage development was granted its planning permission before the current Island Development Plan (IDP) was approved in November 2016. At that time, the IDP brought in a requirement for a proportion of houses in larger developments to be allocated as affordable housing. The ‘GP11’ requirements apply to sites containing more than 20 units of accommodation. But despite the potential to increase the island’s affordable housing stock, none have yet been built. For GHA chief executive, Steve Williams, Le Ménage is therefore an interesting example to follow: “When planning permission was granted, this was a precursor to the GP11 sites, and it was very useful as it created a legal planning covenant regarding affordable housing. That’s now all in place so this development will be a forerunner for any GP11 sites.”

they are suitable for older owners: “It was part of the planning approval that the properties would be available for over-55s, and therefore the houses have to reflect that. They all therefore have a bedroom on the ground floor with an adjoining shower room as well as the upstairs master bedroom and en-suite. “We’ve tried to future proof the houses for their new owners, so there are level thresholds throughout the ground floor and slightly wider corridors in case wheelchair access is required.” Aside from the practical aspects, the properties have been designed to be enjoyable to live in. It may be the first time Eleanor has led on a project like this, but she has been clear on what they should be providing: “We’ve made sure that everything is very high quality. We’ve put in really nice kitchens with finishes such as Silestone worktops. The flooring is an engineered oak and we have installed solid timber doors throughout the properties. When the new owners move in, all they need to do is choose carpets or flooring for the bedrooms and stairs.”

Guernsey Property and Construction

As well as ensuring the houses are pleasurable to live in, there has been a focus on creating a community at the development. The name itself derives from the French for household, and the design has tried to encourage that, as Andy explained: “There is a lovely green area in the middle of the site which will give all residents a landscaped communal area that they can use. It also adds to the feel of the development. The properties are designed to encourage the use of the green spaces, and one of the design tweaks we made was to allow the balconies on the apartments to look out over the site.” While all involved hope that the residents will enjoy their new homes, Eleanor hopes that they have done something even more positive for the island: “As we know, the housing market is exceedingly buoyant at the moment but many people don’t have anywhere to go. We hope that we’re filling a gap in the market and people in larger houses might look to downsize to these properties. If they do that, then that frees up other properties which are currently being underutilised, and that should be a really positive thing.”

For Steve, it has been a successful development for the GHA: “We’ve had a really good working relationship with the developer and it’s gone very smoothly despite all the challenges of the past couple of years. I can certainly see us doing more of these types of joint developments and I think there are real advantages to that. We can both learn lessons from each other and improve our developments and housing – it’s positive all round. If we could find another similar development to pursue, the GHA would certainly be delighted.”

THE CONTRACTORS Ravenscroft Construction Lovell Ozanne Norman Piette Capelles Building Stores Valpys Swoffers WT Partnership Henderson Green

AWARDS

THE GUERNSEY DESIGN AWARDS 2022

he winners of the Guernsey Design Awards 2022 were recently announced during a presentation evening at the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts. Industry professionals were recognised for their achievements during a particularly difficult time for the industry. As well as the judges’ awards, the results of ‘The People’s Choice’ award was announced, with almost 4,000 votes cast by the public for the winning entry. The late Mitch Sneddon, former president of the Guernsey Society of Architects and a driving force behind the awards, was also recognised during the evening. A new award named in Mitch’s honour was voted for by professionals attending the event.

OAK

Winner of the Commercial Award and ‘The People’s Choice’ Award Architects: DLM Architects Contractor: Ravenscroft Construction Ltd

Guernsey Property and Construction

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

JGA Design Studio

Winner of the Small Projects (up to £250k) Award Architects: JG Architecture Ltd Contractor: M & R Construction Guernsey Ltd

Le Vallon Farm

Winner of the Heritage Award Architects: CCD Architects Contractor: R G Falla Guernsey Property and Construction

AWARDS

LA P’TITE CARRIERE

Highly Commended in the Residential category Architects: Lovell Ozanne Contractor: Island Build Ltd

LA RONDE CHEMINÉE

Winner of the Mitch Sneddon Award Architects: CCD Architects Contractor: F Watson & Son Ltd

Guernsey Property and Construction

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

SHURUUQ

Winner of the Residential New Build Award Architects: Lovell Ozanne Contractor: Richard Ashplant Construction Ltd

FOREST FARM

Winner of the Single Residential Renovation/Extension Award Architects: Paul Langlois Architects Contractor: Ravenscroft Construction Ltd

Guernsey Property and Construction

COMMENT

The storage investment conundrum Mark Baudains of the BTS Storage Centre provides an overview of the dilemma regarding investment within the warehouse and distribution sector. Businesses within the warehouse and distribution sector have been handed the toughest of dilemmas in recent years. The pandemic has brought about growth within ecommerce of 27% in the UK alone. This increased demand has not just been felt in the UK, in the Channel Islands there have been progressive moves made by supermarkets, wholesalers and merchants, all looking to make the move online. Whilst this has had a very positive impact, it has also created challenges for businesses.

IT’S BEEN A TOUGH COUPLE OF YEARS, AND THOSE BUSINESSES THAT HAVE MANAGED TO ADAPT AND THRIVE IN WHAT ARE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES, DESERVE A HUGE AMOUNT OF CREDIT.

The accelerated growth within the ecommerce sector has meant that in some cases businesses have been forced to fast track staff, skipping much-needed training and education in relation to safe working practices and the hazards that exist in these environments. They have also had to attempt to handle higher volumes of products and materials within their existing premises than ever before. This has obviously amplified the need for tighter regulation and higher safety standards within warehouse environments. It has also left some businesses needing to move their operation, expand or make better use of their warehouse space by installing a mezzanine floor, or by adding to existing racking. Those needing to invest in their infrastructure, or those undergoing growth have had a difficult decision to make:

Do we do it now or wait for the prices to go down? With prices spiralling, many have opted to wait. Unfortunately, this has not always been the most prudent of choices.

Guernsey Property and Construction

Costs have increased greatly over the last couple of years. This has been down to many factors; Brexit, the pandemic and now the war in Ukraine have all had a big effect and the current lockdowns in China continue to influence steel production. The results of these events are palpable. We have experienced an impact on supply and demand as well as huge increases in raw materials and mounting logistical costs. Shipping containers from China to the UK have risen from approximately £2,000 to £10,000 and this year steel prices, in general, have risen over 50%. When it comes to storage equipment the numbers are alarming. Pallet racking alone rose 15% in 2020, 34.5% in 2021 and another 15% 2022. That’s a total of a 64.5% increase since the start of the pandemic. Mezzanine floors are now approximately 50% more expensive to supply and install. It’s been a tough couple of years, and those businesses that have managed to adapt and thrive in what are unprecedented times deserve a huge amount of credit. The good news is that, according to reports, steel costs are forecast to start dipping slightly in the coming months. Suppliers and manufacturers also seem determined to try and absorb some of the costs, which will help to stimulate the market. So, with the outlook looking a little more positive, is now the right time to invest? That question is probably harder to answer than ever.

We make commercial deals happen Responsive, constructive and commercially aware property law advice in Guernsey. We have an enviable reputation for handling transactional, leasing and finance matters, with a noted focus on the retail industry and additional expertise in construction law. With a client roster that includes banks, retail groups and professional services companies, we have significant experience in commercial property in Guernsey. Our services include: • Commercial, residential and mixed use developments • Sales and purchases of commercial property • Corporate relocation projects • Advising funders on real estate and security issues • Joint ventures • Advising landlords or tenants on commercial leases

Martyn Baudains

Partner 01481 752217 martyn.baudains@ogier.com

Jonathan Anderson

Counsel 01481 752387 jonathan.anderson@ogier.com

Martín Casas

Senior Associate 01481 752214 martin.casas@ogier.com

Nicholas Le Poidevin

Lead Conveyancer 01481 752344 nicholas.lepoidevin@ogier.com

Our promise to you We make it happen We will give you quality service We will give you value for money

ogierproperty.com Redwood House, St Julian’s Avenue, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 1WA Telephone: +44 1481 721672 See ogier.com for more information about Ogier’s legal services.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Sustainability and product innovation John Litchfield, managing director of Channel Island Ceramics, discusses how the kitchen and bathroom industry is responding to the global issue of climate change. Climate change is here and it is not showing any signs of slowing down. As individuals, and collectively, we must incorporate sustainable choices into our day-to-day lives, as well as our long-term decision-making. So, what does this mean for the kitchen and bathroom industry?

SUSTAINABILITY IS ALL ABOUT WORKING OUT WHAT WILL BE BEST FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, NOT ONLY NOW, BUT ALSO IN ANTICIPATION OF THE FUTURE.

Predominantly, one of the best choices you can make is to use products and design that can survive the test of time. Hardwearing materials like stone and ceramics do this well, whilst adding a superb finish to your room. Tiles have advanced so much in recent years, with realistic wood effects, or increased sizes that can cover entire walls or worktops, for example. Many suppliers are also offering long-term guarantees that can span into decades, as well as being proud of sustainability accreditation or making carbon-neutral pledges. But what about product innovation? Sustainability is making an impact here too and these are some of the more interesting features that we have come across in recent years.

Toilets Flushing matters. Not only in terms of how much water is being used, but also because of what cleaning products go down our drains. Great inroads in both these areas are being made. Villeroy & Boch’s new Twist Flush boasts to save up to 19,700 litres of water a year, compared against a four-person household using a standard six-litre flush. The quality of the bowl, its rimless nature and CeramicPlus and AntiBac options all then contribute to great hygiene and practically eliminate the need for a toilet brush. Likewise, Toto uses a mere 3.8L Tornado flush with eco-friendly Clean Synergy avoiding the build-up of stains. Their Washlet eliminates the need for toilet paper, while also spraying the bowl with EWATER+, which is an eco-friendly solution to hygiene and cleaning.

Guernsey Property and Construction

Bathroom taps and showers Hansgrohe offer us a couple of options, focused both on energy saving, as well as water consumption. On standard taps, the continuous flow heater or circulation pump starts up immediately when the handle is in the middle position. On Hansgrohe’s CoolStart taps, however, only cold water will flow, unless you deliberately move the tap into the warm position, contributing to excellent energy savings. In addition, their EcoSmart technology ensures comprehensive water savings across all their products. Reduced water consumption to up to nine l/min for showers or up to 60% savings at your sink, for example.

Kitchen taps Quooker is the main one to pay attention to in your kitchens, saving energy, water and even plastic. Their patented vacuum tanks allow for water to be kept at 110 degrees under pressure, with the water only boiling when it exits the tap. This is vastly superior compared against the use of a kettle, both in terms of convenience and energy saving. A Quooker CUBE combines filtered chilled still and sparkling water, as well as instant boiling, hot and cold water. With this, you’ll never need to buy a plastic bottle of water or switch on the kettle again. Sustainability is all about working out what will be best for the environment, not only now, but also in anticipation of the future. When looking at kitchens and bathrooms sustainability must be at the core of everyone’s design. With longlasting materials and innovative technologies, the industry has an important role to play in protecting and preserving our planet.

Sustainability is key

rack it! box it! bin it! shelve it! store it! stack it! move it! lock it! ramp it! file it! climb it! build it! tube it! rack it! box it! bin it!

The Complete Solution Storage solutions for your business The BTS Storage Centre works mainly within the warehouse, storage & distribution sectors, we are a SEMA Approved Company and provide staff with valid SEIRS training. Working to specific SEMA codes of practice and in line with HSG76 (Warehousing & Storage HSE Guide to Health Safety) we specialise in racking, shelving, mezzanine floors and all other storage equipment and associated products.

We’ve got you covered •

Pallet Racking

•

Shelving & Longspan

•

Edge Protection

•

Mezzanine Floors

•

Barriers & Impact Protection

•

Flood Defence

•

Partitioning & Self Storage Units

•

Shelters & Bike Racks

We also offer an extensive range of services that cover products such as edge protection, barriers, speed bumps, impact protection and mirrors as well as flood defence systems.

For a site survey call 248822 or email storagecentre@btsgsy.com Braye Road Industrial Estate, St Sampson’s Open Mon to Fri 7.30am - 5pm

For further information visit www.btsstoragecentre.com

PROPERTY IN FOCUS With house prices a hot topic, interest rates on the rise, and planning requirements in the spotlight, our experts share their thoughts on the current state of the industry.

COMMENT

Life at a mortgage provider Applying for a mortgage is something many of us do throughout our lifetime. But have you ever wondered how a mortgage is processed, from start to finish? Or what it’s like to work for a mortgage provider? Local lender, Skipton International, tells us how it works and what life is like for their busy mortgage teams. If you’re ready to buy a home, you’ll first need to find the right mortgage deal. There are numerous things to consider, including the best type of mortgage that will work for you and how long a deal you should go for. Speaking to a reputable mortgage lender or broker is the best approach, and they will guide you accordingly. You should be given an ‘approved in principle’ amount that you could borrow, based on your personal circumstances, along with an idea of the monthly repayments and any fees that need to be paid.

MY ROLE IS NEVER DULL. I SPEAK TO NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS EVERY DAY, EACH WITH THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCE, AND LISTENING WELL PLAYS A LARGE PART OF MY ROLE.

At Skipton, there is also the option of checking this online, where you can see how much you could borrow and discover what your estimated monthly repayment will be. If you prefer the personal approach you can telephone or meet up for a confidential discussion with a qualified mortgage salesperson. Kate Le Prevost (pictured) is one of the Skipton mortgage sales team. She is passionate about her job and always puts herself in her client’s shoes when organising a mortgage for them. “I get such a buzz from helping people,” she said. The application and supporting documentation is then given to one of Skipton’s in-house underwriters. Having the underwriters based in Guernsey saves time as applications don’t have to be sent off-island to be underwritten, but also means they fully understand the local marketplace. An underwriter’s role is to cross check all documentation, instruct the property’s valuation, and, if appropriate, produce the formal offer letter for the applicant. The mortgage administration department is one of Skipton’s largest teams. The team administers the application to completion and is available for queries regarding setting up standing orders in order to make repayments. The team is the first point of customer contact for existing mortgagees who wish to pay a lump sum off their mortgage, change their repayment date, or are maybe needing guidance regarding their fixed term mortgage.

Guernsey Property and Construction

Lynsey Leivars works in the mortgage administration team. She said: “My role is never dull. I speak to numerous customers every day, each with their own individual circumstance, and listening well plays a large part of my role. The team is friendly and helping people to achieve their home-owning goals is such an honour.” Skipton is keen to support Guernsey residents as much as possible when it comes to their home buying aspirations, even when legislation and interest rates make it challenging at times. For anyone reading this who has a child leaving school or college this summer, Skipton International is inviting local students, collegeleavers and their parents to a drop-in open evening to find out more about potential careers. They will also reveal full details of a brand-new scheme for school-leavers, who can come in to Skipton and work for three months in each department at a time, fully paid. It gives the school leaver the chance to learn and experience different roles, without tying them to any one particular role at a time when entering work for the first time can already be a nervewracking experience. Chris Rowe is 21 and has worked at Skipton for a year. He said: “I would encourage anyone who is about to leave school or college to come along to Skipton’s open evening and have a chat. I’ll be really pleased to talk about what it’s like working at Skipton and the benefits.”

Skipton Open Evening Wednesday 29 June between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. Tudor House, Le Bordage, St Peter Port. All are welcome and light refreshments will be served.

COMMENT

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

The future of affordable housing Carey Olsen senior associate Rachel Jones looks at the planning requirements around affordable housing.

House prices in Guernsey are at an all-time high with the availability of houses at a historic low, causing great concern to many and in particular to low-income families in need of affordable housing. The Guernsey Housing Association has recently advised there are currently more than 500 people on the waiting list for affordable housing.

SINCE ADOPTION OF THE IDP IN 2016, POLICY GP11 HAS YET TO BE RELEVANT TO ANY PLANNING APPLICATION, WITH NO LAND OR UNITS PROVIDED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AS A DIRECT RESULT OF IT.

Affordable housing is housing that is reserved for certain groups of people whose needs are not met by, or cannot afford to rent or buy property in, the private market. It can mean social rental housing, intermediate housing (for example partial ownership) or extra care housing and it is provided through the States of Guernsey or registered housing associations such as the Guernsey Housing Association. One mechanism for the delivery of more affordable housing is in the Island Development Plan (IDP). Policy GP11 requires that proposals for new housing resulting in a net increase of 20 or more dwellings are to provide a proportion of the developable area of the site for affordable housing. The percentage contribution is between 26% and 30%, depending on how many dwellings are proposed. When the provision of land is not feasible, the applicant may be able to provide completed units or off-site provision instead. If Policy GP11 requires a development to provide an element of affordable housing, an applicant can challenge that pursuant to an exception relating to viability. The exception states if the affordable housing requirements would make it unviable to proceed with the development, the affordable housing requirements may be reduced. In considering whether such a reduction should be allowed, the DPA will consider the circumstances of the particular proposal and will require the maximum percentage of affordable housing provision that is viable for the site.

The DPA will also require evidence that the development would be unviable and will assess economic viability by using recognised financial viability models. This is likely to involve the applicant appointing a consultant to prepare a viability appraisal, which will assess various details, costs and values, together with profitability. Viability appraisals often result in substantial costs and lengthy delays to the grant of planning permission. Since adoption of the IDP in 2016, Policy GP11 has yet to be relevant to any planning application, with no land or units provided for affordable housing as a direct result of it. From this, it would appear it is not achieving its intended purpose. Indeed, there has been much debate around this in recent months, with some developers and politicians claiming the policy has discouraged development. The DPA has commenced the process of reviewing certain parts of the IDP and Policy GP11 will no doubt be looked at. This is likely to be put to the States towards the end of this year with a public consultation in early 2023. Any proposed amendments to the IDP will not be made quickly as they will have to go through the full statutory inquiry process with an independent inspector, followed by States approval. Whilst Policy GP11 has not yet delivered land/ units of affordable housing, 60 affordable homes have been permitted through other policies of the IDP. There are also applications that have been recently submitted to the DPA (which have not yet been determined) that may deliver affordable housing. These include an application for a mixed-use development at Leale’s Yard, which includes proposals for more than 320 new dwellings. As such, Policy GP11 may at last be applied to a planning application, however the future of the policy and the requirements for certain new housing developments to include affordable housing provisions is uncertain. Guernsey Property and Construction

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Supporting homeowners with the planning application process Collas Crill has launched a new planning application service for Guernsey and Jersey homeowners who are considering applying for planning permission. Over the last two years Channel Island homeowners have responded to restrictions on travel, increased home working and a rising property market by driving a boom in home extension, remodelling and improvement projects. The time it takes to actually start a project has increased over the same period. Paul Nettleship, partner and head of property law in Guernsey for Collas Crill, said: “Appointing an architect, if required, seeking initial advice and securing necessary planning and building regulation permissions, as well as factoring in the availability of contractors, tradespeople and materials all take time that can be outside homeowners’ control.

MORE BROADLY, WE ARE ABLE TO ASSIST CLIENTS WITH ALL SCALES AND TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND AT ALL STAGES OF THE PLANNING PROCESS...

“This can lead to delays, escalating costs and added stress for the homeowner and, in the worst case scenario, could mean that a project needs to be scaled back or abandoned altogether.” The new service is being led by senior planning consultant, Chris Crew (pictured), and brings together his and the Channel Islands property teams’ planning expertise and detailed knowledge of the application process. All the necessary plans, drawings and supporting information will be collated, and the property team will complete and submit the planning application on the client’s or their architect’s behalf. “This planning application service allows us to take the strain out of what can be a stressful process and is a natural extension of our offering to clients. It ensures that the application is right first time, avoiding additional delays and costs and makes it more likely that permission is granted at the first time of asking,” said Chris.

Guernsey Property and Construction

“More broadly, we are able to assist clients with all scales and types of development projects and at all stages of the planning process, from initial feasibility studies and pre-application advice, the preparation of supporting reports and documents, coordination of the planning application submission, presentation at planning committee meetings, and the submission of appeals if permission is refused.” For more information about Collas Crill’s new planning application service, please call Chris Crew on 01481 734253 or email chris.crew@collascrill.com

About Collas Crill’s property team Collas Crill’s Guernsey property team is headed by partner Paul Nettleship and is rated as “Top Tier” in both Legal 500 and Chambers, the leading international legal directories. It is one of the largest teams in Guernsey and includes a dedicated UK real estate offering. The team has more than 100 years of collective experience and is known for its practical, problemsolving approach. The team advises on all aspects of Guernsey property law, and has a proven track record for planning matters, including initial advice, running all the way through to successful planning appeals. Chris joined Collas Crill in April 2022 to offer specialist planning advice. He is a Chartered Member of The Royal Town Planning Institute and has more than 17 years’ experience gained in the UK and Guernsey. He joined the firm from the States of Guernsey Planning Service where he worked as a senior planning officer for eight years.

COMMENT

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

Guernsey property prices The recently released figures from the States of Guernsey show that property prices in the island have yet again seen a significant increase. Demand is still outstripping supply in the sales and rental market, but with interest rates rising and the impact of global events somewhat unknown, there is an element of uncertainty for the sector. Guernsey’s most recent quarterly residential property prices bulletin crunches the numbers for house sales and rentals from January to March 2022. It shows that the average local house price has risen to a record high of £575,155. This is an increase of 4% on the previous quarter and 12.4% compared with the same period in 2021. There were 199 local market transactions in the period, which is the highest recorded first quarter number since 2007. There were 36 fewer transactions than in the previous quarter, and 32 more than the same quarter of 2021.

THE OPEN MARKET HAS BEEN LARGELY INSULATED AGAINST PRESSURES THAT INCLUDE THE HIGHER COST OF DEBT, RISING INFLATION, INCREASED ENERGY COSTS AND THE GEOPOLITICAL UNCERTAINTY THAT HAS UNRAVELLED GLOBALLY.

In the open market, there was a total of 26 transactions, eight more than in the first quarter of 2021. The average price for the period was £1,216,313 while the four-quarter average, which reduces the effect of seasonal fluctuations, increased by 7.4% over the past year to come in at £1,343,672. The statistics also show that the average time between a local market property becoming available for purchase and its subsequent sale has been decreasing since the first quarter of 2018. At the same time, the difference in the advertised price of properties and their final sale price has also been decreasing; however, it was larger in the first quarter of 2022 than the previous two quarters. Keith Enevoldsen is the head of residential sales at Savills Guernsey. He believes the market is still looking healthy: “For those looking to sell, it remains a good time to bring your home to the market. The £1m-plus market is buoyant and sensibly priced homes in good locations are attracting plenty of interest. The higher costs of building materials have also meant that new builds and properties not requiring work are attracting something of a premium. Many instructions are selling before they appear on the market.

“Looking ahead, it would be amiss to ignore the threat of economic pressures. However, to date, as can be seen by the number of transactions reported in the States of Guernsey statistics, the open market has been largely insulated against pressures that include the higher cost of debt, rising inflation, increased energy costs and the geopolitical uncertainty that has unravelled globally. As a result, activity has remained ahead of normal levels throughout 2022 so far. However, while we’re not expecting prices to fall, we do expect levels of growth to flatten out given the economic challenges and the uncertainty caused by the war in Ukraine.” Local market director at Swoffers, Andre Austin, agrees that there are factors that could affect the market going forward: “We started the year facing the same challenges as last year, with a shortage of stock across all areas of the market. Although we saw a rise in interest rates, availability of credit is still very good and there are still plenty of buyers around. When you combine those factors, it is no wonder the market was so buoyant in the first quarter. With a recent rise in interest rates it will be interesting to see if there is any impact for the remainder of the year.”

THE Q1 NUMBERS £573,155 average local market property price

199 local market transactions

£1,661 average monthly local market rental price

£1,216,313 average open market property price

26 open market transactions

Guernsey Property and Construction

COMMENT

Difficult choices John Bampkin, chair of the Guernsey Construction Forum, says while some of the choices the island needs to make are uncomfortable, they are necessary for the island’s future. Forced choices are very rarely good ones but the consequence of not making a choice is usually even worse than making a difficult one. We are now facing our worst housing crisis for decades because of a lack of decision making, conviction and investment through successive governments. A great example of this is the latest iteration of the Leale’s Yard development.

THE JURISDICTIONS THAT ARE ADVENTUROUS, FORWARD LOOKING AND DIVERSIFYING THEIR INCOME STREAMS TO MAKE THEMSELVES STAND OUT AT THE BEAUTY PARADES ARE THE ONES THAT WILL PROSPER FOR THE NEXT 30 YEARS. GUERNSEY HAS A FANTASTIC CHANCE TO BE ONE OF THOSE!

Derelict land and unsightly buildings are only now being seriously considered as a development opportunity that will benefit the island and St Sampson’s in so many ways. More residents to support the local economy, more open space, more locations for local entrepreneurial businesses and a focal point for the neglected Bridge area. So why hasn’t this happened before? It’s because we have lived in a period where it’s been so much easier not to do something than to do it. That has been caused by a myriad of forces such as a lack of confidence in the local economy to make the project financially viable in the first place. Being able to submit a plan that can be discussed, tweaked and adapted with input from all stakeholders instead of being thrown out at the first sign of its appearance by the all too powerful ‘nay-sayers’. Now we are starting to realise that we have no choice in the fact that we need more housing on our island and we need it now. Our population demographics are starting to actively work against us and it’s only going to get worse. We cannot survive in the hope that we will have a strong finance sector forever. We must invest in Guernsey to keep moving forward and building our strength back after the effects of Covid and Brexit. The jurisdictions that are adventurous, forward looking and diversifying their income streams to make themselves stand out at the beauty parades are the ones that will prosper for the next 30 years. Guernsey has a fantastic chance to be one of those!

Guernsey Property and Construction

But we have some difficult choices. Wherever we build and develop on our small landscape will have an effect on somebody. But with innovative thinking, creativity and by really embracing technology in the way we build and the materials we use we can turn the numerous ‘eye-sores’ we have littered across our islands into environmentally sustainable habitats in which the population can live, work, learn and play. We will never be able to satisfy everyone’s concerns so this will be uncomfortable for some but it is necessary to secure the future of the Bailiwick. The latest iteration of the States workplan puts housing at the top of the priority list and then talks about “skills and human capital investment” and also the “island’s future population”. This is very encouraging as everything else we do and consider must hang off those three topics. The thought of more housing and people on the island is uncomfortable but we can do this in a way that can actually reduce the impact on our traffic congestion and open environments. We are truly blessed on this island with incredible people who are well resourced, well financed and willing to help. We have amazing collaboration across our industries and commerce, and we have a wealth of experience and knowledge that we can tap into to help find the answers to these stark and present challenges. We must not hide from the difficult choices and we must invest in our islands expediently to ensure that we have the right balance of people to provide our care and social services, our education services as well as our local finance and other industries well into the 21st century to fully realise the potential the Bailiwick truly has right at its fingertips. Let’s make those difficult choices and move forward together.

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

Careers in construction Caroline Gumble, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), looks at the importance of attracting young people to the industry, and supporting them in their careers. Of the many challenges we face as an industry, the need to attract new recruits and keep talent in the sector is still one we have yet to crack. In short, we still have a skills shortage. CIOB has for many years run a programme to support those in the early stages of their career. That programme has been through a transformation in the last few months and we now have plans to expand it, reaching out to more people to make the case for a career in construction.

SO THERE IS WORK UNDERWAY TO TACKLE THIS ISSUE, WHICH NEEDS MORE ATTENTION IF WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT SECURING THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY.

Some of you will know that we used to run the Novus network for individuals in the early stages of their career. Last year saw us take the months of work carried out under the banner of the Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders Project and develop it into a strategy, focussing on what we can do to support new entrants into our industry. The development of our Tomorrows’ Leaders community has included bringing on board more early career members as champions to help promote the sector. We have also brought those champions closer to the heart of CIOB’s decision making structures and put people who will be shaping the industry for years to come in a position where they will be influencing the Institute for years to come. It is important in both engaging younger members and those new in the industry and in strengthening the diversity of voices we have among our membership.

One element of that work is taking place in the Channel Islands. Some of my team have visited schools and colleges in Jersey to see how Design Engineer Construct (DEC!) is putting construction and the built environment on the school curriculum. They’ve also been spending time with Alison Watson MBE of Class Of Your Own and with Skills Jersey talking about ‘what next for DEC!’s continued growth in Jersey?’ I’ve also been enjoying hearing more talk of a construction GCSE or A-level – or both? Some of our Policy work in Ireland has been focussing on a proposal to “ringfence funding for the development of an A-level in construction” specifically to help support the pipeline of talent coming into the sector. So there is work underway to tackle this issue, which needs more attention if we are serious about securing the future of the industry. It is also one of my personal priorities – Tomorrow’s Leaders is a significant step in helping to shape a positive and progressive future for the Institute and the industry. We are still building our cohort of Tomorrow’s Leaders so let us know if you’d like to step forward and join this community. If you’d like to know a little more about who’s already involved and what resources we’re starting to create for the TL community, have a look at our YouTube playlist (available to anyone) – just visit YouTube and search for “CIOB Tomorrow’s Leaders”. CIOB in the Channel Islands

It now also helps provide a platform for reaching out to even younger audiences who may be at the point of considering career options.

As ever, if you would like to find out more about events being organised by our South UK Hub, do feel free to join our LinkedIn group “CIOB in South UK” or check out the events section of the CIOB website.

Guernsey Property and Construction

COMMENT

Leadership in business Scott Crittell, a Chartered Fellow of the Association for Project Management, explains the advantages of having project professionals represented at the top level. The membership of a business’s board has developed over time and may now include marketing or HR professionals. But rarely do we see a project professional as part of that makeup. We are, however, starting to see more strategic projects emerge from boardrooms. And we are starting to see more accountability for members of the board in relation to the performance of these projects. Project failure may even lead to resignations from a board.

THIS VIEW MAY BE MET WITH SCEPTICISM. AFTER ALL, IN THE MODERN WORKPLACE, STAFF ALREADY UNDERTAKE PROJECTS WITHOUT BEING RECOGNISED AS PROJECT MANAGERS. BUT THERE IS VALUE IN SETTING PROJECT MANAGERS APART.

Project failure may arise from a lack of familiarity with the skills needed to deliver projects at a professional level in the boardroom. Also at play may be a belief that projects can be delivered by anyone, even as an extra add-on to their full-time role. This is often a cause of project failure, the results of which include the elongation of project timelines with a cost implication or a reduction in project scope. In such project failure scenarios, a sound review of the legal structure of any third-party involvements prior to sign off is often invaluable, as any project professional will testify. But that is the topic of another article. Here, I want to suggest that the creation of a board-level chief project and change role represents one positive measure which would help prevent project failure. Indeed, now is the time to recognise that individuals in project roles have an identity of their own and merit their own department. This view may be met with scepticism. After all, in the modern workplace, staff already undertake projects without being recognised as project managers. But there is value in setting project managers apart, and in the remainder of this article I want to underscore two reasons why. First, by setting project managers apart, institutions demonstrate greater awareness of the high stakes which are often involved in project management work, and thereby

Guernsey Property and Construction

mitigate the chances of failure. Take the example of a museum that has an exhibition. The exhibition will need a thorough plan for acquiring exhibits from other institutions, insuring them for transit, taking care that they are stored and exhibited under correct conditions, and arranging appropriate security for open and closed hours. There is a lot here that could go wrong. The decision to employ designated project management staff to undertake these tasks, however, would clarify structures of accountability, thereby improving the chances of success. In such a scenario, it would also be crucial to hire project management staff who were appropriately skilled. This leads to my second reason for setting project managers apart: the skill sets which are required to manage projects effectively should not be taken for granted. Thanks to the Association for Project Management (APM), it is easier than ever before to assess an individual’s competency at project management. The APM, which holds a Royal Charter for project management professionals, offers a suite of qualifications and the only route to project chartered status. The APM provides a gold standard for project professionals. We know projects are often costly, are vital to the business goals of an organisation, and can have a direct impact on directors. Therefore the time to incorporate project professionals in the boardroom is now. In ensuring that project roles are given equal status with roles such as marketing, more individuals will be encouraged into the profession with the aspiration to become project leaders, and with a pathway which should lead to boardroom level. Furthermore, there are clearly competitive advantages for businesses which apply foresight now and recognise project management as a discrete professional occupation. Those businesses will be able to move forward with greater confidence in delivering their projects and growth.

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

Working at height Andrew Mills, chair of the Guernsey Occupational Safety and Health Association, advises those in the industry to take all necessary precautions.

With summer approaching , Covid not as impactful as it was (but still a threat we should not ignore) and our thoughts focused again on getting things done, I hope you won’t mind if, in this edition, we focus on the dangers of working at height – that is, at a level where serious injury or death can result from a fall or someone can be hurt by dropping something onto them. So not very high at all!

THERE ARE TOO MANY NEAR MISSES AND CLOSE CALLS IN GUERNSEY WHICH CAN RESULT IN CATASTROPHE – LONGTERM INJURIES AND DISABILITIES AND SOMETIMES DEATH.

If you work above ground level, if you use scaffolding or a ladder or some other aid which helps you to work above the ground, are you taking the risks you and your colleagues and the public face seriously? Nice weather and the prospects of completing work quickly can bring about a complacent attitude to the presence and management of risks. There are too many near misses and close calls in Guernsey which can result in catastrophe – long-term injuries and disabilities and sometimes death. There is just no need for serious workplace accidents in Guernsey.

Make sure: • Staff are properly trained and informed so that they know how to do things safely. • Staff have adequate protective equipment and adequate tools and other items to get the job done efficiently, safely and well. • There is adequate supervision on site to ensure that things are done well and corrected if they are not and an experienced, well-informed person is available if something goes wrong.

• You understand the sanctions in place for those who break rules – they encourage discipline and doing things the right way and penalise those who flout the rules (and cause danger to themselves and others). • You are prepared if things go wrong – from first aid provision to having a site evacuation plan such as getting an injured person medical treatment and evacuation, if needed. • Your business continuity and disaster recovery plans are up to date. There is a range of legal and practical guidance in Guernsey which should be followed to make a workplace safe. Remember, workplace safety is a requirement of Guernsey law. Your first port of call for guidance should be our local HSE Team (gov.gg/hse). Speak to them if you are unsure, check the guidance in their website – see their page entitled: Work at Height including Scaffolding (HSE guidance). And if you remain unsure, contact one of the health and safety consultants listed in our website www.gosha.org.gg/guernsey-trainingproviders-and-consultants. Other specific guidance you must follow is the Guernsey Construction Approved Code of Practice and, where relevant, the UK’s CDM regulations (hse.gov.uk). Care for yourself and your staff and don’t forget your neighbours – in fact, anyone who could be affected by your work should be considered and protected. Take health and safety in the workplace seriously, get the job done well and safely and add to your good reputation.

Guernsey Property and Construction

COMMENT

Trusting the process Chartered architect Oliver Brock of the Guernsey Society of Architects considers the implications of the upcoming States debate on key worker accommodation. Trusting processes can be difficult. Most businesses have that moment when a process that has been set up to deliver an outcome is tested. It’s sometimes a make or break moment, and it can be hard to watch that process follow through. At the critical moment, the worst managers and owners step in. They disrupt the process they’ve set up by tinkering, and often, in accordance with their worst fears, the process fails. Their concerns are validated, and they learn that their interference is justified. The problem is that they’ve alienated every person involved with the potential success of the process, and they’ve limited the scale of that success by their interference.

ONE MAY QUESTION WHY POLITICIANS DON’T TRUST THE PROCESS THEY PUT IN PLACE? IS IT A CASE THAT THEY DON’T KNOW THE CHECKS AND BALANCES EXIST, OR IS IT MORE SERIOUS?

What does this have to do with architecture, or construction? At publication, we face a situation where the States has identified a need for the provision of key worker accommodation, and the committee responsible for delivering on that has identified a route for that provision. The States property portfolio is a complex network, with inter-connectivity across the estate. To unlock a piece of real estate, a ‘brownfield site’, one must find places for all the current users, by moving departments and finding new homes for them. That bigger rationalisation project is ongoing, and has so far netted a variety of arguably positive outcomes.

strategic need of a particular scheme to override the plan policies when some previously unforeseen need arises which is not accounted for in the plan. The process for handling these occurrences is clear. The applicant must demonstrate the strategic need, and that no other (more suitable) land is available; the whole development is made subject to a Local Planning Brief. In July, we will watch on as the States debates whether key-worker housing should be allowed to happen on a field in St Andrew’s, despite the presence of adequate checks and balances in the Planning system. The manager is involving himself in the process that he set up. One may question why politicians don’t trust the process they put in place? Is it a case that they don’t know the checks and balances exist, or is it more serious; that they don’t trust the civil servants and fellow politicians in the Development and Planning Authority to protect the island’s natural landscape? Perhaps they are ‘standing up’ in a situation they believe is their only opportunity to be heard - a sad indictment of the planning process if our (some very senior) politicians feel that way about public representation in the planning system.

We are in a situation where the committee responsible for that puzzle, has concluded that there are no appropriate brownfield sites available that would accommodate the number of keyworkers required to meet demand. No-one, I believe, is challenging the statement of demand.

In any of these scenarios, the situation is dire for our Development and Planning Authority, because the politicians that govern them and set the policies they work to are publicly declaring, very loudly, that they either don’t trust them to do their job, or they don’t trust the policies they are working to.

The next step would normally be for the committee to investigate the planning constraints around what land could be used. The Planning Authority would say ‘no’ to the use of green fields for development, but in the Island Development Plan (IDP), there is facility under Policy S5 for the

At a time when the States is under pressure to improve efficiency and effectiveness, putting faith in the established process and trusting those who are part of it would be a much more effective and constructive way of dealing with the situation, in my view.

Guernsey Property and Construction

OUTSIDE INSPIRATION With the importance of landscaping becoming ever more widely recognised, we take a closer look at the industry. From landscaping planning requirements to the importance of native planting, step outside this summer with advice from our industry experts.

FEATURE

KEEPING IT LOCAL We’re used to being encouraged to ‘shop local’, but these days there is just as much of a focus on ‘growing local’. In recent years the importance of retaining the island’s biodiversity has been in the spotlight, with planners now encouraging native planting and restricting the use of non-native plants in developments.

English Oak

When the Development & Planning Authority is considering planning applications, their effect on the island’s biodiversity is now a key aspect. It means that those planning the landscaping for development schemes have to carefully consider what they are planning to use to ensure that they respect and protect the island’s environment. Elliot Green is an experienced landscape designer with his firm, Sexton Green Landscapes and has completed projects all over the island. He’s clearly aware of the importance of using native plants within the schemes he develops. But while it’s something he supports, he says there are challenges around it.

says it’s well-used in the Sexton Green office when they are looking to specify trees and hedging. “It has a key that shows species that are Guernsey native, are probably Guernsey native, and are plausibly Guernsey native, so that gives us a really good starting point. But we do have to look at projects in their entirety to work out what would be the best thing to use. Guernsey is a small island and it is hugely important to protect its environment but from a landscape architecture point of view we are also looking for the best solutions for a site.”

“Part of the problem is defining what is native. Sometimes plants we think are native to the UK aren’t native to the whole of the UK and aren’t native to Guernsey. When you look at what is considered native to Guernsey, the list of possible selections for schemes can become very small.”

When considering development schemes, local planners like to see as many native trees and native hedging as possible. But, as Elliot points out, it is a fairly short list. There are less than half a dozen native trees, with one of them, ash, unable to be imported or used due to the risk of disease. That leaves oak, elder, hawthorn and grey willow as the options, and Elliot says they’re not always ideal for every area of a site.

Elliot, like others in the industry, finds Andrew Lee’s book ‘Native plants for Guernsey wildlife’ a good resource, and

“It is a balance between specifying native trees and making sure that the ones you choose are both aesthetically pleasing

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and able to do the job required. Some trees are not suitable for streets or urban environments. In a car park, for example, you have to think about leaf letting and debris landing on cars. When we can, we will always specify native trees but sometimes the best tree for a job isn’t.” As well as trees, hedging is often an important part of the landscape design. Elliot says while again they try to plant native, that can conflict with what their clients are looking for. “A native mix might have five different varieties of hedging within it. We tend to use 75% hawthorn and 25% of another variety of native hedging. But sometimes that doesn’t suit the client, who may, for example, want an evergreen hedge. Holly is plausibly native to Guernsey, but it’s very spiky so no good if you’re picking footballs out of it. Again, holly or hawthorn aren’t really suitable for car parks with lots of people walking past them. And you also have to balance out the fact that something like an evergreen holly hedge is both very expensive to buy and slow to grow.”

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

KNOT A PROBLEM While many non-native plants exist in Guernsey without having too negative an impact on the local environment, there are some very notable exceptions.

Hawthorn For Elliot, it’s a constant balance between ensuring his designs protect the island’s natural environment and meet his clients’ expectations and budgets. “On the bigger developments, we can do things like pack the boundary planting with native varieties and put non-native species elsewhere on the site. And we’re always keen to plant as many trees as possible wherever we are working, as long as we ensure we allow the correct spacing for them to thrive.”

The scheme will see native plants grown and sold by the charity, with 20% of profits going to La Societe and 80% to GROW to support their future work. At the moment seven species of rare and naturalised plants can be purchased at GROW – Purple Toadflax, Sheep’s Bit, Oxeye Daisy, Largeflowered Evening Primrose, Hoary Stock, Field Scabious and Deptford Pink. That range is set to increase, with around 20 to 25 different native and naturalised plants eventually planned to be for sale.

The knotweed spreads rapidly and takes over native plants and flowers, as well as causing structural damage to buildings through its roots and stems. Removing it from a site is both tricky and very timeconsuming.

While Elliot is an expert, for amateur gardeners or those less experienced, it can be hard to know what plants would be positive for the island. Luckily, one recent initiative is hoping to help with this. A collaboration between the botany section of La Societe Guernesiaise and GROW Limited, ‘Grow Guernsey Natives’ has been launched to help preserve the island’s native plant species.

Sour fig

Elderflower

Grey willow

Japanese knotweed

(also known as Donkey’s Rhubarb or Mexican bamboo) is well-known for how quickly it can spread and the damage it can do. Introduced to Britain from the Far East in 1825 as an ornamental plant, it is now the most invasive plant in Britain and Guernsey.

The hope is that the scheme will help educate the public about the importance of choosing native plants as well as promoting their use in the island. Guernsey has 167 plant species classified as rare in the British Isles and 34 species which are found in fewer than 25 locations – so it is really hoped that this will help protect that biodiversity, while helping an important local charity at the same time.

is also classified as an invasive non-native species, and is very quick to spread in the wild. Due to its growth cycle it can change the chemical composition of the soil to give it a competitive advantage over native plants and create a monoculture. Aerial photographs of the island show that the amount of sour fig on Guernsey increased by 3,839% from 1990 to 2019 so there are comprehensive efforts underway to tackle the problem and help protect and improve the island’s biodiversity.

Guernsey Property and Construction

FEATURE

PLANNING GOOD DESIGN Since the introduction of the 2016 Island Development Plan (IDP), there has been a clear policy which states the requirements around design and landscaping. It gives the planners a framework on which to pin their conditions – and Jim believes that GP8’s demands are reasonable for those looking for permission to develop in the island. “The requirements are proportional to what people are trying to achieve, and what will benefit the island. We’re certainly not trying to impose unreasonable demands relative to the scale of the application. For example, a householder development is unlikely to require any specific landscaping, unless there is something like a screening requirement. However, a major commercial development would certainly have conditions attached.

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Recent years have seen an earlier focus during the planning process on the landscaping of developments. Jim Rowles, the director of planning at the States of Guernsey, spoke to us about what the requirements are and how the Development & Planning Authority (D&PA) works with developers to enforce them.

“The GP8 design policy encompasses sensible requirements about having a good standard of design, and considering the development’s impact on the neighbourhood, and the landscaping is an important part of that.” With that requirement in place, the D&PA is looking for developers to consider the landscaping of their projects early on in the process. “Ideally we would have the landscaping scheme submitted with the application,” said Jim. “Often with the schemes we are looking at there is already a development framework in place which will outline some of the requirements. The planning application therefore ought to include more detailed proposals about how the design aims will be achieved through the

landscaping of the site so everyone is aware what is being proposed. “We are looking for a fair amount of detail. We’re interested in exactly what will be planted, and we’re ideally looking for native planting. That’s why it’s really helpful if the developer engages with a landscape specialist at an early stage. If they’re involved from the start then it feeds naturally through the process and is much easier for everyone. Our conditions will include things such as planting densities and types and sizes of plants, as well as what will work for screening immediately versus more long-term solutions. It’s a specialist area, so the landscape designers and contractors are best placed to help.”

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

ISLAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2016 POLICY GP8: DESIGN In order to achieve high standards of design which respects and, where appropriate, enhances the character of the environment, proposals for new development will be expected to:

According to Jim, the existence of some of those landscape designers is a sign that the industry is becoming more aware of the importance of considering the environment, “My perception within the industry is certainly that landscaping has become more important and there are more resources available than there used to be. I think the industry is reflecting society and its increased focus on sustainability and reducing our environmental impact. We certainly have to do less pushing now to get the landscape conditions met.” For Jim, getting that message to developers is crucial.

forget how things such as the location and type of trees can make as much difference to a place as the design of its buildings. Soft and hard landscaping can make such a difference – whether that’s well-thought through city centres or small developments. “If you consider something like the Market Square in St Peter Port, the London planes are absolutely key to the whole area. They were put in during the development, and without them there would be a completely different aesthetic. Like the ones in front of St James, they’re part of the fabric of Guernsey and it’s what we’re developing and handing on to future generations.”

“The landscape is an integral part of the design process, which is precisely why it sits within that policy. It’s sometimes easy to

ENFORCEMENT ACTION While the D&PA can ask developers to comply with the landscaping conditions, it is acknowledged that the planners need some teeth to ensure that they do so. Requirements under the policy can be implemented through conditions attached to the planning permission, and developers will be in breach of planning control if the conditions are not complied with. The conditions can cover areas such as ensuring that provisions are complied with in the longer-term. Guernsey has followed the UK precedent and generally requires that planting be maintained for at least five years.

As an alternative course of action, tree protection orders can be placed on individual trees if necessary. For Jim, retaining trees is a priority, “We really want to keep what we’ve got, unless it’s very poor quality or in a very poor location on the site. If you use what’s existing already then you have a readymade landscape, so we’re very keen to promote developers maintaining the trees that are already on site. “Some of the most successful developments are those where they’ve retained the trees and worked with the existing landscape structure rather than bulldozing a site and starting from scratch. We understand that it’s more of a burden on developers to work around trees, but we’d always far rather see an established tree stay than have a new one planted in its place.”

• Achieve a good standard of architectural design, including the design of necessary infrastructure and facilities; and • Demonstrate the most effective and efficient use of land; and • Respect the character of the local built environment or the open landscape concerned; and • Consider the health and wellbeing of the occupiers and neighbours of the development by means of providing adequate daylight, sunlight and private/ communal open space; and • Provide soft and hard landscaping where this reinforces local character and distinctiveness and/or mitigates the impacts of development and/or contributes to more sustainable construction; and • Demonstrate accessibility to and within a building for people of all ages and abilities; and • With regard to residential development, offers flexible and adaptable accommodation that is able to respond to people’s needs over time.

Within areas of higher protection, such as Sites of Special Significance, Areas of Biodiversity Importance and Conservation Areas, and where development relates to protected buildings or protected monuments or their settings, development will be expected to conserve the particular special interest of those areas or buildings and the relevant policies relating to those areas shall apply.

Guernsey Property and Construction

INTERVIEW

INDUSTRY PROFILE: LANDSCAPER

JACK ETHERIDGE ‘Landscaper and horticulturalist Jack Etheridge set up his firm, Auburn Gardens, following his return to Guernsey in 2014. Since then, he’s seen the demand for garden design and maintenance flourish in the island. He told us about his experience in the industry. For Jack Etheridge, gardening was in his blood. Despite initially studying art and design, he quickly decided to channel that creativity into the outside world. “I was brought up with gardening as a major influence in my life – my grandfather was a gardener and both my parents are keen gardeners so it felt very natural to follow that path. My father initially suggested the idea to me while I was still considering a career as an artist, and after that conversation I enrolled on a horticultural garden designer course that very evening.” Studying at a specialist college in London, Capel Manor College, Jack was exposed to a wide range of high-quality work, especially when he started working in the industry alongside his studies. “After the first year of studying, I was offered a job with a very skilled landscaper working in Kensington and Chelsea so I worked alongside my course for the second and third years. It was very high-quality work in tricky central London townhouse gardens, and I learned a huge amount from that time.” After working in London on his own contracts for a period, Jack decided to leave the city traffic behind and relocate home to Guernsey. It was a decision he’s never regretted. “I started Auburn Gardens here in 2014, mainly focused on garden maintenance. The company got a good reputation very quickly and the business blossomed from there. We now offer a complete service, with garden design as well as follow-up garden maintenance. The demand has meant that we have had to expand since we started, and there are now two teams of gardeners available for our clients.”

Guernsey Property and Construction

ISSUE 10 SUMMER 2022

LANDSCAPER FACTFILE THE JOB

While Jack certainly looks back with pride at the work he was involved with in London, he is adamant that Guernsey offers just as many opportunities for creativity and thoughtful garden design. “Guernsey is a fantastic place to do what we do, both because of the choice of plants we can use and the backdrops we are often working with. To me, being able to craft landscapes within beautiful landscapes is just a joy. But I don’t think you necessarily need a stunning backdrop to create a successful garden. I’m a real fan of townhouse gardens, so we create a lot of courtyard gardens which take advantage of the beautiful old Guernsey granite walls.” While gardening is often about creating something new, Jack says it’s also important to recognise and appreciate the context of the space he is working with. “I always want to work with the history of a property or area and utilise the architecture that is already there. When I have finished projects in the past, I have had clients tell me that it looks like it has always been there. If they say that, then I know I have been successful. For me, it’s about working with the landscape and never leaving a scar on it when we’re finished.” Like many who work outdoors, Jack is passionate about protecting the environment and minimising the impact of his business while ensuring his designs have the maximum effect. “We are very conscious of our environmental impact. We use as many locally sourced and locally made products as we can, and work alongside the tree surgeons to mill local wood. When we find materials at sites, we respect their history and try to reuse them as much as possible, which also often ends up adding interest to the eventual design.”

That design is hugely important to Jack, who says it should be something that’s considered by everyone when it comes to their properties. “We’re passionate about design so that’s always going to feed into the kind of gardens we produce. When people are developing properties, we want the garden to be given just as much importance. A garden is a growing thing, which will evolve and develop and in our designs we always want to plan for many years to come. “We always involve the clients in the design and ask for their tastes and preferences, although it obviously depends on them how involved they want to be. Some clients have very little input at all and trust us with the process; while others have a real interest and are out every hour speaking to us about the work and what we’re doing. The influence we unsurprisingly hear the most often when speaking to clients is a demand for a ‘coastal’ garden, and it’s often an obvious starting point in Guernsey. But a garden doesn’t stand alone – it is part of a property and its surroundings, so we consider the look and feel of the whole area. I think a lot of it can be done on instinct, simply knowing what will work.” As well as the garden design and initial installation, Jack offers a maintenance service for the spaces Auburn Gardens has created. For him, the industry offers a huge range of opportunities for variety and job satisfaction – and it’s something he wishes more people were aware of. “A landscaper truly is multi-skilled. In one day we could be doing everything from planting to carpentry, stonework, drainage and operating heavy machinery. I think people don’t realise how interesting and varied it is as a career. I’d really love to see more exposure for the industry from an educational standpoint – I think if people realised the opportunities on offer they

The description ‘landscaper’ can cover a host of roles. Jack refers to himself as a ‘horticulturalist’, while other job descriptions in the sector can include ‘landscape designer’ and ‘landscape architect’ for those working at more of a planning level, and ‘landscape gardener’ for those on site. Overall, the roles involve everything from planning outside spaces and sourcing the required plants and materials to physically planting and building the spaces.

THE SKILLS A love of the outdoors and plants is fairly key to work in the industry, but there are plenty of other skills that are also very important. Landscapers need to combine creativity with good attention to detail. A good level of physical fitness and strength is also generally a requisite to be successful in the role. The client facing nature means that communication skills are often required as well to liaise with customers regarding the design and understanding their needs and expectations.

THE QUALIFICATIONS There are no qualifications that are absolutely required to be a landscape gardener; however, there are formal qualifications that can be undertaken in horticulture and landscape design (such as Jack’s studies at Capel Manor College). Learning on the job is also crucial though, with experience often as important as any qualifications.

might be more interested in pursuing it. Horticulture should be on the curriculum and given as much importance as some of the other core subjects.” “Guernsey has such a strong horticultural history, and there have been some great horticultural minds here in the past. I’d really love to see that flourish again – imagine driving round the island and seeing all the derelict old greenhouses full of plants and thriving again.”

Guernsey Property and Construction

FEATURE

OUTSIDE INFLUENCES As lockdown saw us all spend more time at home, the way we use our outdoor spaces has changed. From growing your own to blurring the line between indoors and outside, these are the trends to watch in 2022…

LOUNGING AROUND Many home trends have focused on bringing the outside in, but this summer one garden trend is all about bringing the inside out. Homeowners are looking to recreate the comforts of home in the garden – whether that is by putting in outdoor kitchens and entertaining spaces or simply lounging around outside. An old deckchair no longer seems quite so appealing with the new variety of outdoor furniture on the market.

GOING TO POT While houseplants became a hot trend during the pandemic, potted plants are now heading into many gardens. Neat rows of flowerbeds around freshlymowed lawns will no doubt stay a common sight for many, but others are moving more towards using potted plants outside as well as in. Potted plants are appealing for their flexibility as well as their appearance. For those looking to have feature spaces within their gardens, potted plants are an easy way of controlling the size of the plants and their location.

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GROWING YOUR OWN With food miles and supply chains hot topics at the moment, it’s perhaps unsurprising some people are looking to create a little food security at home. From staple vegetables to indulgent summer berries, many gardeners are looking to turn a corner of their garden into a source of sustenance.

MORE TO ZINC THAN MEETS THE EYE

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For further information contact: Craig Gavey 07781 426622 or craig@gsymetalroofing.com

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Guernsey Property and Construction / Issue 10

Articles inside

Landscape trends

La Ronde Cheminée

Landscape planning requirements

Industry profile

Keeping it local

Industry news

Le Ménage

Tim Pond

Property prices bulletin