Plans Submitted For New Bowling Club

Plans have been submitted to build a new home for the Jersey Bowling Club at Warwick Farm.

The club's 112-year home on Westmount Road is set to be demolished to make way for the new Overdale hospital.

That's if the project receives planning permission.

The outgoing Environment Minister has received the independent planning inspector's report.  Deputy John Young will now consider Sir Philip Staddon's opinion and recommendation and make a decision, which is expected before next month's election.

The new bowling club would be based in the northern part of Warwick Farm, on land currently used as a hemp-growing farm.

MS Planning says the land has limited agricultural value.

"The tenant of the land has confirmed the change of use would not affect the viability of their agricultural holding, the only holding that directly relates to the Site."

If approved, a floodlit 40x40 bowling green would be constructed along with changing rooms and a 460sqm clubhouse.

There would be 44 car parking spaces and spaces for 12 bicycles and at least six motorbikes.

15 sites and 20 schemes were considered, but Warwick Farm was considered 'the most favourable option.'

"The site has arisen from a review of numerous potential locations and can be delivered whilst maintaining the character of the area and neighbouring amenity, has been assessed to be suitable in transport and traffic terms, and would provide a high quality of design and new planting to complement the area.

The visual landscape impact is reasonable within an area that already contains development and is boarded by the Primary Route Network.

The Jersey Bowls Club would be a positive addition to the area, provide the necessary replacement facility for the members of the Club, and help facilitate the strategically important Our Hospital project."

The government wrote to the club's executive committee in November 2021 to tell them that Warwick Farm had been secured as their future home.

Confirming receipt of the planning inspector' report, a government spokesperson said of the planning application process:

"On receipt of the Inspector’s report, the Environment Minister will consider the opinion of the Inspector, and their recommendation as to what action the Minister should take.

If the Minister is minded to decide the application, the Minister’s decision will be made public and the Inspector’s report will be published alongside this. There is no defined timeframe for this stage of the established process for deciding public inquiries."

Deputy Young retains ministerial responsibility until newly-elected States Members are sworn in to the Assembly on 27 June.  He is not seeking re-election.