Jersey Esplanade office block plans approved

A six-storey office block on Jersey's Esplanade has been given the go-ahead by the planning minister.

The development, by Dandara, will replace some buildings in Kensington Place and Patriotic Street.

Minister Robert Duhamel had refused the developer's original application - featuring mirrored windows from top to bottom - last year. The approved plans feature a slightly smaller building.

Building work is expected to start next month.

Mr Duhamel approved the new plans, but added Dandara must improve the public footpath in front of the proposed new building.

Heritage campaigners had opposed the development, saying it was not in keeping with the character of the Esplanade.

The Planning Department said it carefully balanced the loss of listed buildings in the area with the need for modern office space.

It added that Dandara had also been asked to make sure the building's glass front did not reflect the sun in a way which could harm people or property.

Last year, a new London skyscraper dubbed the "Walkie-Talkie" was blamed for reflecting light which melted parts of a car.