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Deputy wants Nude Dunes to be purchased for the public

A St Brelade deputy says a potential private benefactor might consider buying the former Nude Dunes restaurant at La Pulente to keep it in public use.

Deputy Montfort Tadier says he's talking to 'various people' about the vacant beachside eaterie in St Ouen's Bay, including acquiring it for the government to rent out as a café or for wider public benefit.

Last week, another attempt by the owner to get permission to part-change its use to a holiday let was refused. 

READ: Nude Dunes planning application refused again

Owner Nadia Miller told Channel 103 she would challenge that decision in court.

Deputy Tadier says it could be time for the States to 'step in' and he is 'taking soundings and building consensus' on potential options for its future.

"There are lots of interesting options about keeping it in the public domain.

"This is in a sensitive national park area, the last thing people want to see is it going to private residential use. 

"There's a potential benefactor who would like to do something good for the island.

"He's saying that if there were a partnership between perhaps a third party sector  - like the National Trust and the States - to contribute towards purchasing, it could be run as a facility for the public - an educational centre for example, but one which is also open and accessible as a cafe."

Deputy Tadier says the Gunsite Café at Beaumount - which is publicly owned but privately operated - is the perfect example of what Nude Dunes could be:

"Maybe it's time for the states to step in and say, 'we'll buy it for a reasonable price, we'll reopen the toilets and make sure that somebody can run it in a meaningful way."

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