Constable Philip Le Sueur and Deputy Anne Pryke have written letters of support for the application, which involves enlarging an existing smallholding to include a three-bedroom house and agricultural shed.
Laurence and Louise Agnès currently run Douet Farm as a part-time operation, rearing grass-fed beef and lamb, but are seeking approval to expand their business to produce goat’s milk, cheese and meat.
The couple bought the land five years ago and began selling their produce two years later. Their planning application includes a proposal to build a shed to house a milking parlour for a 100-strong goat herd.
Several letters of support have been submitted to the Planning Department regarding the application, with many saying that the importance of encouraging investment in agriculture justifies development in the protected green zone.
The application also has the support of the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society, the Jersey Farmers Union and Genuine Jersey.
In her letter, Deputy Pryke said that Mr and Mrs Agnès had demonstrated ‘hard work and commitment to enter the agricultural industry’.
‘There is a good opportunity for this young couple. Their mixed farm plan importantly meets the Rural Economy Strategy. I hope this application is approved.’
Mr Le Sueur wrote that he had no doubts the couple were committed to the project and said the project was exceptional.
‘I fully appreciate that development in the green zone is contrary to policy. However, there are exceptions… and I think this application ticks all those boxes.
‘The modest dormer bungalow… will sit comfortably in the landscape and have little or no impact on their immediate neighbours. If we do not support diversification within the agricultural industry in the Island, what hope is there for its long-term survival?’
However, one submitted comment was not in favour of the application.
Pauline Huelin said that she was concerned about possible building in the green zone.
She said: ‘There is absolutely no need to build a home in the green zone and this seems to be a commonplace policy, as others have been allowed to build farms on green zones recently.
‘I have no objection to some shelter and suitable storage to fulfil business purposes. However,
a house?’
